Over the past year, social interactions with other people have changed. Whether for you it’s been a lot or a little, the pandemic has caused people to become more isolated.

This past weekend, I was invited to an Easter dinner that made me remember how much of a positive impact spending time with others can have on a person.

When the pandemic first made it to my area, I was working at a grocery store and in my junior year of college. After classes were cancelled for a week, everything was moved online.

Several campus restrictions and expectations were laid out for students.

I remember one day my roommates, my brother and I were sitting at an outdoor table eating. Someone walking by who didn’t know we lived together, reported us for not being six feet apart.

Eating lunch with friends, something that had been so normal a few weeks ago was now unacceptable.

Over the next several months, in Fargo, it seemed like social gatherings were non-existent. For me it became a norm to feel guilty going to a friend’s apartment for even
five minutes.

This mentality has stuck around and affected me longer than I thought it would have.

COVID is not something I worry a lot about (for myself) at this point. But even as someone whose life is looking pretty normal right now, since the pandemic, I have the tendency to spend a lot of time by myself.

One way I know this is by the amount of time I spend on my phone. I wouldn’t say I’m addicted to using my phone, but I am certainly embarrassed by how much I use it for social media and movie streaming. Last week’s average was five hours per day–five hours of my life that could have been used much differently.

Sure, I feel comfortable going out to eat or going to Wal-Mart. However, I feel like I’ve almost forgotten about my need to socialize with other people.

Intentionally making plans with people isn’t something that is a priority for me anymore. Even though I know spending time with other people makes me feel more energized, it doesn’t come as naturally anymore.

For anyone out there who might be feeling a similar way, let’s briefly explore some of the mental and physical benefits of social interaction.

Studies have proven face-to-face interaction with others makes us more resilient to stress factors. These interactions can release oxytocin, which lowers cortisol level and lowers stress.

Social interaction also releases dopamine, which can greatly improve a person’s mood.

Another study has shown that people going through chemotherapy had a better outcome if they had access to social support. This suggests being around people can physically and mentally strengthen a person.

For incoming college students, a study found social support was an effective way to reduce the likelihood of depression and heighten self-esteem.

Interacting with other people can also help protect the brain from neurodegenerative diseases, according to Medical News Today. A study published in 2016 suggested people who prioritize social goals consistently had a higher late-life satisfaction rate. This means social interaction has been found to lead to less decline later in life.

To recap, interacting with other people has been linked to less stress, a better mood, better physical and mental health, and a lower chance to develop neurodegenerative diseases. To me, these seem like benefits well worth making an effort to explore, even as an introvert.

If you’d like links to the studies previously mentioned, you can find them at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321019#A-tool-for-happiness-and-longevity.

I do realize that COVID may pose a high risk to certain people, so be sure to make wise decisions in regard to your particular situation. Even if you are being cautious about COVID, there are still ways to enjoy the benefits of intentionally connecting with people.

Now, finish reading the paper and go call that friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with. It might help you out more than you’d think.