In today’s world, where technology is an integral part of our lives, we often forget the importance of human connection and belonging. The need to belong is a fundamental human need that is often overlooked in our personal and professional lives. However, the truth is that human connection and belonging are critical for our overall well-being and success.
In this episode and blog post, we explore the importance of human connection and belonging in personal and professional life, and share some insights from a Ginger Johnson, Chief Connecting Officer!
To listen/watch to the full podcast interview hosted by Greater Than Zero Percent (GTZP), visit our or Spotify or Apple.
What is human connection?
Human connection is the feeling of being understood, valued, and accepted by others. It is the sense of being a part of something greater than ourselves. Human connection involves both emotional and physical connections with others. Emotional connections include feelings of love, compassion, and empathy, while physical connections include touch, hugs, and other forms of physical contact.
Why is human connection important?
Human connection is essential for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. People who have strong social connections are happier, healthier, and live longer than those who are socially isolated. Human connection helps us to:
- Reduce Stress and Anxiety: human connection has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. When we feel connected to others, we have a support system that we can rely on during difficult times. This support system helps us to cope with stress and anxiety and reduces the impact of stress on our physical and mental health.
- Improve Mental Health: human connection has been linked to improved mental health. When we feel connected to others, we have a sense of purpose and belonging, which can improve our self-esteem and confidence. This, in turn, can help to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Increase Resilience: human connection helps us to become more resilient. When we have strong social connections, we are better able to cope with adversity and bounce back from setbacks. This is because we have a support system that can help us to overcome challenges and find solutions to problems.
- Improve Physical Health: people who have strong social connections are less likely to develop chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. This is because social support helps to reduce stress and improve our immune function.
What is belonging?
Belonging is the feeling of being part of a group or community. It is the sense of being accepted for who we are and valued for our contributions.
Why belonging important?
Belonging is important because it helps us to:
- Find Meaning and Purpose: belonging gives us a sense of meaning and purpose. When we feel like we are part of something greater than ourselves, we are more motivated to work towards a common goal. This helps us to find purpose in our lives and make a meaningful contribution to society.
- Build Relationships: belonging helps us to build relationships with others. When we feel like we belong, we are more likely to form meaningful connections with people who share our values and interests. These connections can help us to build a support system that we can rely on during difficult times.
- Improve Self-Esteem: Belonging can improve our self-esteem. When we feel like we belong, we are more likely to feel good about ourselves and our abilities. This can help us to build confidence and self-worth, which can lead to greater success in our personal and professional lives.
We need to prioritize human connection and belonging in our lives and invest time and effort into building strong relationships with others. By doing so, we can improve our mental, emotional, and physical well-being, and achieve greater success in our personal and professional lives.
To listen/watch to the full podcast interview hosted by Greater Than Zero Percent (GTZP), visit our or Spotify or Apple.
-Joseph (with help from ChatGPT!)