Make frequent and high-quality contact with important people in your life a priority, as these relationships are major predictors of happiness, health, and longevity, and prevent connections from withering away.
Consciously choose to spend more time with people you care about and less time at work, as a common regret later in life is not having spent enough time with loved ones.
Engage in good relationships to regulate negative emotions and reduce stress, as talking to someone you trust can calm your body and prevent the chronic stress response associated with loneliness.
Strive to cultivate at least one or two securely attached relationships where you feel confident that someone will be there for you in times of trouble, as this is a fundamental human need.
Avoid the fiction that one primary relationship can fulfill all your needs; instead, cultivate a diverse collection of relationships to gain different kinds of support, fun, and self-discovery.
Be intentional about scheduling time with important people, such as walks or dinners, to actively maintain relationships and prevent them from withering away from neglect.
Regularly practice generosity and kindness towards others, whether through words of appreciation or acts of service, as these actions bring joy, connection, and emotional and physical benefits back to the giver.
Adopt a mindset of radical curiosity towards others, seeking to understand their experiences, motivations, and perspectives without judgment, as this deepens connection and fosters appreciation for differences.
Demonstrate genuine interest in what others are experiencing, even if you can’t always figure it out, as the perception of care and curiosity is highly valued in relationships.
When interacting with others, be fully present and attentive by actively listening, as this makes people feel valued and understood, strengthening relationships.
Actively learn ’new dance steps’ in your relationships by trying new activities together and adapting to each other’s changes, which helps keep long-term connections fresh and engaging.
Recognize that individuals and relationships are constantly changing; actively work to keep up with and support each other through this process of continual evolving.
Utilize the support from securely attached relationships as a foundation to take risks, try new things, and have new experiences, knowing that others will encourage and support you.
If you’ve let relationships go, reach out to someone you miss with a simple text, email, or call, expressing that you were thinking of them, as people are often thrilled to reconnect.
Understand that it’s never too late to improve your relationships or build new connections, as actions taken now can significantly impact your life and well-being.
Consider incorporating AG1, a daily health drink with gut bacteria and plant-based compounds, into your routine to support digestion and overall well-being, particularly during winter.