

Why You Need the Good Stress of Socializing
243 snips Sep 30, 2025
Jeffrey Hall, a communication studies professor and co-author of The Social Biome, dives into the health benefits of socializing as a 'good stressor'. He explores how social connections not only enhance resilience and immunity but also predict longevity. Hall discusses the challenges of forming relationships in today's world, driven by busy lives and cultural shifts towards solitude. He emphasizes the need for intentional socializing and offers practical tips to maintain friendships, highlighting that showing up consistently can rejuvenate our social health.
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Social Life Is A Biome
- The social biome is an interdependent system of relationships and interactions that affects health and longevity.
- Like the gut microbiome, social connections shape immunity, mood, and mortality risk.
Relationships Predict Longevity
- Longitudinal studies tie strong social ties to longer, healthier lives and greater meaning.
- Improving relationships later in life still yields measurable longevity benefits.
Connection Lowers Stress Physiology
- Close relationships reduce chronic stress and help the body fight infection.
- Social connection turns off stress responses, improving immunity and resilience.