3 Reasons to Invite People into Your Life

While the days are getting shorter, don’t let that keep you from connecting with friends and family. In fact, it may be more important than ever during the holidays and winter! Staying social is more than a “nice-to-have” — it’s actually life giving.

No one wants to feel lonely, yet a growing number of us — about half of all Americans — say we feel isolated. In fact, some leaders such as former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy are calling it a loneliness epidemic. “As a society, we have built stronger Wi-Fi connections over time, but our personal connections have deteriorated,” he said.

It can be difficult to connect with others. It can be messy, and friendships sometimes don’t meet our expectations. Still, there are three powerful reasons to invite people into your life. Those who regularly connect with others:

Live longer. Researchers have found that loneliness can be as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. In fact, staying isolated can lead to an earlier death.

Keep sharper. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) confirms there are many cognitive benefits to staying connected.

Feel better. According to the NIA, social activities: correlate positively with good health; may lower interleukin-6, which is associated with age-related diseases; may lower blood pressure; and help stave off depression

Easier said than done? Here are a few ways to get or stay connected:

• Participate in Falcons Landing activities.
  We create a lot of opportunity for fun and connection within our community, because we want everyone to feel they belong, no matter what their interests. Check out our calendar of activities.
• Join a community class.
  Whether it’s water aerobics or painting, learn something new in the community.
• Stay in touch with family.
  Even if it’s through the Internet or by phone, reach out.
• Connect spiritually.
  Get involved in a faith community. Learn more about your spirituality or help others on their journey.
• Reach out to old friends.
  Break out the old address book, call a friend you haven’t seen in a while, or look up friends on Facebook. You might be surprised to discover what they’re up to—and how easily you slide into your old friendship.
• Keep asking.
  Sometimes when an invitation is declined, we stop reaching out. But keep inviting people into your life.

“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.”
– C.S. Lewis

‍