In the hustle and bustle of life, maintaining meaningful connections can often take a back seat.
There is some science in who we stay in touch with, and it is backed by research. Of course there are your close family members and long time friends. Your mentors, some coworkers, other family members, community members, classmates, you know, people in your life.
It is true, not all relationships are keepers. However, the importance of staying in touch with certain individuals goes beyond casual conversations. Relationships can significantly impact your mental health and overall well-being.
Let’s give a few moments thought to who you should consider keeping in your circle and why.
Building a Strong Support Network: The Science Behind Staying Connected
1. Close Family Members: The Pillars of Support
Family is the bedrock of our support system. Staying connected with close relatives not only provides a sense of belonging but also offers a safety net in challenging times. According to a meta-analytic review by Holt-Lunstad et al. (2010), strong social relationships, including those with family, are linked to lower mortality risk.
Hanging out with family, like your parents or grandparents, is really good for you. It’s like having a special group that cares about you and makes you feel happy and safe.
Scientists studied information of a large number of people, reaching the conclusion that those who spend time with their family tend to be healthier and live longer (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010). It’s like having a secret superpower for a longer, happier life.
2. Longtime Friends: Keepers of Shared Histories
Friends who have been with you through thick and thin hold a unique place in your life. They understand your journey, offering comfort and familiarity. Research by Helliwell and Wang (2014) emphasizes the positive impact of long-term friendships on overall happiness trends.
Having friends that you’ve known for a long time is awesome. They get you and make your life more fun.
Researchers checked on about 150 happy people, trying to see if long time friends made a difference. and found that many of them had friends they’ve known forever. It’s almost like having magical friends who make your life better. Staying in touch is a positive act we can do to give us a better chance to be happy.
It isn’t a surprise that happier people are also healthier peopl
3. Mentors or Role Models: Your Guiding Lights for Growth
Mentors and role models play a crucial role in personal and professional development. The work of Ragins and Verbos done in 2007 highlights how relational mentoring fosters growth in the workplace, This is why it is important to stay connected with those who inspire you.
Having someone cool to look up to, like a teacher or someone you admire, is super cool. They help you grow and be your best self. Often we have people in our lives that influence us to push ourselves professionally.
Scientists found that people who learn from someone they like do better (Ragins & Verbos, 2007). It’s like having a wise guide on your journey. In this time of employees and frequent job changes, a contact who knows you as well as has knowledge of openings in their company can be an important contact for you.
4. Positive Influencers: Crafting an Optimistic Outlook
Surrounding yourself with positive influences can shape your mindset. Fowler and Christakis reported in (2008) when the completed their study on the spread of happiness that positivity is contagious within social networks.
This helps explain why it is important to connect with those who uplift you.
Being around happy and positive people can help you. We know that this upbeat personality can make you feel cheerful too. It’s like catching good vibes from your friends, proven by science.
5. Colleagues or Classmates: Fostering Supportive Environments
Maintaining connections in your professional or academic circles contributes to a supportive environment. Bowling and Hammond shared in 2008 in their meta-analysis that positive work relationships correlate with higher job satisfaction. Who doesn’t want to be happier at work?
Having good friends at school or work makes everything better. It’s like having a team to support you.
Scientists checked and found that when people get along at school or work, everyone is happier. It’s like having study or work buddies to share ideas with. Participating in healthy activities with friends makes you feel strong and happy together.
Scientists concluded that people who exercise or eat healthy with friends feel better, reported.
It’s like having workout buddies to cheer you on, and science says it’s good for you.
6. Health and Wellness Buddies: Motivation for Positive Habits
Having companions on your health and wellness journey can make a significant difference. This is why we work well in teams. It stands to reason that we would work well together when making positive changes in our health habits.
Having someone to share your health and wellness journey can be the difference in failure and success.
These people may well belong in your staying in touch with group.
7. Hobbies or Interest Groups: Joy in Shared Passions
Connecting with individuals who share your interests can increase the feelings of joy and fulfillment. Science has found that enjoyable leisure activities contribute to psychological and physical well-being. So your stay in touch with group may include some friends from this part of your life as well.
8. Neighbors: Creating a Sense of Community
Building relationships with neighbors contributes to a sense of community. Helliwell and Putnam (2004) share the social context of well-being, emphasizing the importance of local connections.
We do need community contacts to insure our involvement in what is going on out our front door. Supportive people with whom you have worked on community projects are another part of your stay in touch group.
These eight sectors of your life will provide a cross section of interesting people with strong ties to the same things you are interested in. These are the ones to consider reaching out to. These people are worth staying in touch with.
Of course there will be a screening out of the ones who are just not a fit. They aren’t fun to work with. They complain and belly-ache and make you not want to be involved in a project with them.
Don’t Forget the Most Important Relationship, Your Self
Last but not least, don’t forget to stay connected with yourself. Taking time for self-reflection and practicing mindfulness. How to stay in touch can make staying in touch with yourself easier.
Science underscores the profound impact of staying connected with these individuals for your mental health and well-being. Prioritize these connections, nurture them, and witness the positive influence they bring to your life.
Building a robust support network is an investment in your happiness and fulfillment.
Sami’s Take on 8 Reasons Why “How To Stay In Touch” Matters
Building connections is easier for some than for others. If you already have a good group of people you stay in touch with and share life’s ups and downs with, maybe you can share some of your tips?
I started this site because I am am awful at staying in touch. Sure, we have a family email that I started about 15 years ago. I share a note every morning first thing with my children, and the grandkids who have asked to be included, the 3 older ones. I have that down, but all the other important people in my life? There is work to be done.
I have already missed out on some of the important people who have traveled life’s roads with me. I did start calling my parents daily in the last years and months of their life. I saw them often, but enjoyed the phone calls, and they seemed to as well. But I have been so blessed with great people in my life, and I have missed so much time that I would have enjoyed.
However, I have lots of life left to live and will encounter many more super people that will make me a better person when I allow myself to stay in touch. I am researching to see what is working for those who have strong connection communities. I will soon have news from friends from New Mexico, and all the places in Texas where I have lived.
I want to hear from and contact my brother and sister more often. I am a work in progress!
Thanks for reading. I hope some of the reasons for staying in touch made you consider working on your contacts too.
If you have some suggestions, please leave a comment.
Thank you,
Sami