Thrive through closer relationships

Anyone can form connections with other people, including family, friends, romantic partners, colleagues and even strangers.

Why is connecting so important?

Connecting with others is important for different reasons:

1. It provides you with a sense of belonging and support. When you feel connected to others, you know that you are not alone and that you have people who care about you. This can be especially important during difficult times.
2. Connecting helps you to learn and grow. When you interact with others, you are exposed to new ideas and perspectives. This can help you to broaden your horizons and become a more well-rounded individual.
3. It makes you happier and healthier. Studies have shown that people with strong social connections have lower levels of stress, anxiety and depression. They also tend to live longer and have healthier lives.

OTHER BENEFITS OF CONNECTING WITH OTHERS

• Reduced stress: Spending time with loved ones can help to reduce your stress levels and improve your mood.
• Improved mental health: Social connections can help to protect you against mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
• Increased happiness: People with strong social ties tend to be happier than those who are more isolated.
• Better physical health: Social connections have been linked to many physical health benefits, including lower blood pressure, a stronger immune system and a reduced risk of heart disease.
• Increased longevity: People with strong social ties tend to live longer than those who are more isolated.

All about your mindset

Connecting with other people is an essential part of life. It allows you to build relationships, create communities and find support. However, sometimes it can be difficult to connect with others, especially if you have an inward mindset.

An inward mindset is one in which you are focussed on yourself, your own needs and your own perspectives. You may see others as objects or tools to be used, rather than as people with their own thoughts, feelings and needs.

An outward mindset, on the other hand, is one in which you are focussed on others. You are interested in their lives, their stories and their perspectives. You see them as individuals who matter, and you want to connect with them on a human level.

When you have an outward mindset, you are more likely to be respectful of others. You are more likely to listen to them with empathy and understanding. You are also more likely to be considerate of their needs and feelings.

Here are some tips for connecting better with other people, using an outward mindset on focus, respect, listening and emotional management:

• Be present. When you are interacting with someone, put away your phone and other distractions. Make eye contact and give them your full attention.
• Listen actively. This means paying attention to what the other person is saying, both verbally and non-verbally. It also means asking clarifying questions and showing that you are interested in what they have to say.
• Be respectful. This means treating the other person with kindness, compassion and consideration. It also means being mindful of your words and actions, and avoiding anything that could be hurtful or offensive.
• Be mindful of your impact. Ask yourself how your words and actions are impacting the other person. Are you making them feel good, or are you causing them stress or discomfort?
• Manage your emotions. If you start to feel frustrated or angry, take a deep breath and remind yourself to stay calm. It is important to avoid taking your emotions out on the other person.
• Be curious: Ask questions about the other person’s life and interests. Listen carefully to their answers and follow up with more questions.
• Be supportive: Let the other person know that you care about them and that you believe in them. Offer your help and support when they need it.
• Be yourself: Don’t try to be someone you are not just to fit in. People will appreciate you for who you are if you are genuine and authentic.

Here are some specific examples of how to apply these tips in real-world situations:

• When shopping: When you are dealing with someone who is assisting you, be respectful and polite. Thank them for their help and avoid making demands or being rude.
• When interacting with people who have different views than you: Be respectful of their opinions, even if you disagree with them. Avoid arguing or trying to change their mind. Instead, focus on finding common ground and understanding their perspective.
• When you are feeling frustrated: If you are feeling frustrated with someone, take a step back and try to see things from their perspective. Once you have a better understanding of their situation, you may be able to find a more constructive way to resolve the conflict.

Conclusion

Connecting with other people can be challenging, but it is worth the effort. By developing an outward mindset, practising respect and listening to others, you can build stronger relationships and create a more fulfilling life for yourself. Connecting with other people is an important part of a happy and fulfilling life.

By following the tips above, you can develop stronger relationships and create a more meaningful connection with the people around you. Remember, when you connect with others from an outward mindset, you are focussed on getting to know them and understanding their world. You are interested in their thoughts, feelings and experiences. You are also mindful of your own impact on them and strive to be supportive and respectful.

References

• Arbinger Institute. The outward mindset: Seeing beyond ourselves. Harvard Business Review, 2009
• Brown, Brené. The power of connection. TED Talk, 2016
• Harvard Health Publishing. The importance of connection in the age of Covid-19. Harvard Health Publishing, 2020
• National Alliance on Mental Illness. The power of connection for mental health. National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2023