At NeuroX, we’re fascinated by the intersection of neuroscience, human connection, and living our best lives. Today, let’s explore why social bonds are key to overall wellness based on what we’re learning about our marvelously social brains.
Your Brain’s Built-In Bonding System
Human brains have specialized neural hardware for connecting with others. When we engage positively with someone, “mirror neurons” activate, helping us empathize by mimicking their facial expressions and emotions. Neurochemically, bonding behaviours like eye contact or hugging release oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. This neural cocktail leaves us feeling satisfied, tranquil, and closer to our loved ones. Our brains are literally wired for the wellness benefits of companionship.
Combat the Pain of Isolation
Neuroimaging reveals that social rejection activates the same brain regions as physical pain. With built-in alarms for isolation, it’s no wonder chronic loneliness takes a toll on mental and physical health. But the brain’s plasticity gives us the power to combat exclusion and cultivate new social connections at any age. By proactively strengthening our support networks, we can keep our natural need to belong satisfied.
Your Neurological Nourishment: Fulfilling Relationships
Like food and sleep, our brains crave the nourishment of fulfilling relationships. Investing in quality time together activates feel-good neurotransmitters and neural circuits specialized for human connection. Just 10 minutes of positive interaction can provide a measurable mood boost! Prioritizing close relationships nurtures our social brains, while depriving these needs creates psychological distress. For full-body wellness, be sure to feed your brain’s craving for companionship.
Strengthen Your Social Muscles
As with physical exercise, regularly engaging our neural “muscles” for socializing keeps them fit and resilient. The more we courageously reach out and initiate, the more adept our social brains become. With practice, anxiety-provoking situations like networking or conversation with strangers get easier. By flexing our social muscles, we can train our neuroplastic brains to thrive in relationships and reap the wellness benefits.
The message from neuroscience is clear – we’re designed for shared human experience. Investing in the quantity and quality of our connections pays neural dividends now and as we age. At NeuroX, we help clients strengthen social wellness by understanding and fulfilling the brain’s profound need to connect. What social nourishment does your brain need today?