Staying Social When You Would Rather Stay In
Some days, just the thought of socializing can feel exhausting. Staying home to recharge with your favorite comfort show, or just to enjoy some alone time might be more appealing- and that's okay sometimes. But alas, humans are wired for connection and every now and then we need to get out there.
Good news is, getting out there doesn’t always need to be a big thing. Small interactions like smiling at a neighbor, or commenting on a friend's post is enough for our brains to release endorphins and oxytocin. When these hormones are released together they have a synergistic effect combining their abilities to reduce pain, and foster a sense of trust and bonding. So when we’re feeling drained, but also know we could benefit from some interaction, what are some easy low effort ways we can satisfy that need?
Send a voice message instead of a text, it adds that personal feeling that our brains respond to without requiring a full conversation.
Combine socializing with something you enjoy, like cooking with family over a video call or inviting a couple friends you are comfortable with over for a game night.
Finding clubs or online forums around your hobbies or interests. Whether it's a book club at your local library or an online community for your favorite craft.
Keep it casual. Short interactions like grabbing a coffee or calling a friend on the way home from work can bring connection. Don’t feel pressured to entertain, listening and sharing small updates is enough.
While we need social interaction for a balanced healthy lifestyle, it doesn’t always need to be exhausting or constant. Prioritize meaningful, manageable ways to stay connected. Quality over quantity. Small, intentional exchanges add up and lead to stronger relationships. Next time you're questioning if you should send that funny meme to your friends, do it! It's good for your health.
