Importance of Social Connections for Emotional Well-being

1min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Transcript

Episode notes

Maintaining strong social connections is crucial for emotional well-being and life quality. Seeking advice and support from a diverse network of friends, family, and mentors enriches life experiences. Research suggests that having various relationships beyond marriage or a committed partnership is beneficial as one individual cannot fulfill all needs. Prioritizing 'social fitness,' or actively nurturing social connections, contributes significantly to overall life satisfaction.

If you’ve ever felt apprehensive about trying something seemingly woo-woo to improve your mental health (like meditation, mindfulness, or simply touching grass) you're not alone. Dan Harris was a mindfulness skeptic anchoring on ABC News when an on-air panic attack sent him into a journey that had him searching for what constitutes well-being. Dan hosts the Ten Percent Happier podcast, and authored a book of the same name. This March, he celebrates the book's 10th anniversary. With a skeptic’s sense of humor and a curious, philosophizing mind, Dan talks about what he's learned in his exploration of meditation, mindfulness, and happiness. You’ll hear about the scientific data that could sway even the toughest cynic – and learn the tools and tricks that can help you build the skills that can make life (and you) a little bit better. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts