Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, recently published an 85-year-long study on what makes people happy.
The result was slightly unexpected as it was not just about how much money you had, where you lived, or your level of educational attainment.
The simple truth was that the more relationships you had, particularly deep, meaningful, happy, and healthy ones, the happier you would be throughout your life.
It showed that such relationships protect us from stress and depression, give us optimism for the future, and, in fact, multiply our joy and divide our sorrows.
Please permit me to assume the role of your pastor to drive home some points.
One day in 2016, we had a visitor, a pastor, and he prayed for the whole family. After the prayers, he turned to me and said, “I saw you in the newspapers.”
That prophecy was met with some disbelief on my part because everything surrounding my life at that time was against my presence in the public glare.
In 2019, one of my university mates saw me on Facebook and added me to our WhatsApp group. I was given a warm welcome.
One Saturday, I had a meeting with one of them, who was an editor at a newspaper, and by the next Saturday, my column made its debut in his newspaper.
The link to the article was posted in our WhatsApp group, and congratulatory messages poured in.
A message stood out that day, it was from a mate who worked at the PUNCH Newspapers at the time. It read, “Funke, get ready, you are going to write for PUNCH too.” I have been here for five years now!
From the foregoing, you can deduce that even in His almightiness, God still needs human vessels to actualise His plans in our lives. If I had refused to be added to my school’s WhatsApp group, I would not be writing for newspapers.
Some years ago, I went to an MTN office because I had some issues with my line. The lady who attended to me was so friendly that I got her phone number. Despite our religious differences, (she is a Muslim), she once took me to Ifewara in Osun State to pray on a mountain owned by the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
I had never been there before. For me, it is humanity first, not religion. Our friendship continues to grow stronger
Do you know how many people who could positively impact your life you’ve refused to associate with simply because they don’t practise your religion?
In Exodus 17, when Moses’ hands grew tired during the battle with the Amalekites, Aaron and Hur supported him by placing a stone under him and holding up his hands until sunset, ensuring Israel’s victory.
Are you sure you haven’t turned down the hands of friendship from your Aaron and Hur, those who are meant to lift your hands during life’s battles?
Even Jesus, on his way to Golgotha, became so weak from blood loss that someone had to help him carry the cross. It is disastrous to face challenges alone.
According to the World Health Organisation, social isolation is a growing public health concern that should be taken as seriously as well-known debilitating issues like smoking, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles.
The severity of this “epidemic of loneliness” led WHO to establish a task force dedicated to addressing it in 2019
Since then, many behavioural health scientists have focused their research on understanding its risks.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were increasing concerns about social isolation and loneliness as key public health issues.
Studies have shown that social isolation and loneliness are associated with higher incidences of major psychological and physical health problems.
On the other hand, several large-scale studies have documented the protective benefits of social connection. Let’s consider some key benefits of socialisation:
1.It can reduce blood pressure, as studies have shown that loneliness is a risk factor for high blood pressure.
The risk of Alzheimer’s disease is more than doubled in lonely individuals compared to those who are socially connected.
Spending time with others helps us feel useful and gives our lives a greater sense of purpose.
When we have something to do, somewhere to go, and someone counting on us, it feels good. Being around those we love makes life more fulfilling.
When people depend on us, we’re more likely to take better care of ourselves and remain healthy for as long as possible. These feelings trigger a cascade of chemicals in the brain that act like a vaccine, protecting us now and into the future. High-fives, hugs, and handshakes release chemicals that lower stress.
Participating in social activities like group exercise classes, walks, or clubs encourages healthy lifestyle habits and can relieve stress more effectively than solo activities.
Close and supportive relationships with family and friends can improve self-worth, reduce symptoms of depression, and foster a sense of belonging. When you have people to lean on emotionally and share enriching activities with, you are less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety.
Psychological research from around the world shows that having social connections is one of the most reliable predictors of a long, healthy, and satisfying life.
A 2016 study published in Psychology and Ageing found that people who are socially active throughout their lives tend to report higher late-life satisfaction.
A small 2018 study found that older people who socialised tended to perform better on theory of mind tests than those who didn’t socialise as much. In other words, socialising may help you retain and develop your understanding of how others think, even when it differs from your own.