Actively seek and prioritize social connection in your life, as it is a necessary condition for high happiness and fundamental for overall well-being and health.
Actively build and nurture a close circle of 4-5 dependable friends or a community ’tribe,’ as strong social circles are identified as the number one factor for longevity, health, and happiness.
Discover and live your sense of purpose (e.g., Ikigai, Plon de Vida) to navigate daily life with direction, reduce existential stress, and provide meaning critical for brain health and overall physiology.
Intentionally perform acts of kindness or generosity for others, including giving your money or time, as this has a greater positive impact on your well-being and happiness than you might expect from selfish pursuits.
To achieve genuine intimacy, stop performing or trying to present a perfect version of yourself; instead, be real, exposed, and openly share who you are and what you care about without guarding parts of yourself.
Make new social connections by talking to strangers during your commute (e.g., barista, checkout assistant, delivery driver) or in public spaces, as these interactions can unexpectedly boost your happiness and combat loneliness.
Engage in physical activity and synchronized group movement (e.g., running in a pack, dance classes) to reduce loneliness, improve relationships, and experience a sense of ‘we agency’ and self-transcendence.
Advocate for or create environments that encourage casual social interaction, such as ‘chatty cars’ on public transport or inviting public spaces like a garden bench, to enhance collective well-being and spontaneous connections.
Initiate or support community development programs that bring people together, leverage local resources, and connect isolated individuals with community groups (e.g., talking cafes, knitting groups) to improve health and well-being.
Engage in cold water swimming or similar bracing activities to bring yourself to the present moment, forget stress, invigorate your immune system, and improve mental health, potentially serving as a treatment for depression.
Focus on nurturing relationships with people you know and love, and engaging with places you love, to foster personal transformation, reduce anxiety and pain, and boost natural mood-enhancing hormones.
Adopt a ‘One Health’ perspective, recognizing that your personal health is interconnected with the health of animal species and the planet, moving from an individualistic ‘I’ thinking to a collective ‘we’ mindset.
Actively develop kindness and compassion in yourself now, rather than waiting for life’s end, as these qualities are at the heart of what truly matters in relationships and contribute to a sense of peace.
Prioritize working together and helping others over the constant pursuit of profit or material acquisition, as this approach improves society and community well-being.
Take a short break to properly switch off and relax with your family, especially during holiday periods, to rejuvenate your mind and body.
Regularly pause and bring yourself to the present moment, reminding yourself that ’this is life,’ to avoid living on autopilot and cultivate appreciation for daily experiences.
Combine invigorating activities (like cold water swimming) with shared social time (e.g., tea and chats afterwards) to enhance friendship, joy, and a sense of community.
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