In our fast-paced lives, it is easy to fall into a routine where tasks, deadlines, and responsibilities overshadow everything else. We often treat social connection as a luxury or a “nice-to-have” –something to think about only when our to-do lists are clear.
However, emerging research and ancient wisdom agree that human beings are fundamentally social creatures, and meaningful connection is a cornerstone of our health and wellbeing. In a recent report on the epidemic of loneliness by the U.S. Surgeon General, findings showed that roughly half of U.S. adults report experiencing loneliness and that “social connection is a fundamental human need, as essential to survival as food, water, and shelter”1. Read on to explore why social connection is a health imperative, how to weave it into your busy work schedule, and resources to help you build your own community.
The Public Health Imperative of Connection
The conversation around social connection has reached a national level. The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community warns of a widespread “epidemic of loneliness and isolation” that affects approximately half of all U.S. adults. This public health crisis is not just a personal struggle; lacking social connection is as dangerous to premature mortality as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.
- Learn More: You can read the full, groundbreaking National Strategy to Advance Social Connection on the Commit to Connect platform or explore the comprehensive data and call-to-action details via the Foundation for Social Connection.
Social Wellness in Our Daily Environments
For many of us, a huge portion of our day is spent at work. Fast-paced work and university environments often push us to focus strictly on tasks. Yet, prioritizing community in these spaces can completely transform our daily experience, strengthening collaboration, communication, and overall morale.
Building a socially well environment relies on key cultural ingredients:
- Psychological safety: Healthy environments encourage people to share their ideas, ask questions, and communicate openly without fear of judgment. When people feel safe, collaboration flourishes naturally.
- Everyday Collaborations: Simple actions, such as collaborating with colleagues or practicing active listening, lay the foundation for deeper trust and supportive relationships.
- Inclusivity: Creating an inclusive environment ensures that everyone feels valued and seen, which dramatically enhances a shared sense of purpose and belonging. At NAU inclusion is more than a value, it’s how we build a community where every Lumberjack feels seen, heard, and valued.
Micro-Habits: Connection is for Everyone
A common misconception is that building community requires a highly extroverted personality, but social wellness and belonging are a universal human need for both introverted and extroverted people2. Some of the strongest communities are built not through grand gestures, but through small, everyday interactions and supportive relationships.
You can build meaningful connections through simple, daily micro-habits:
- Take a Walking Meeting: Instead of sitting in a conference room or behind a screen, take your next check-in or brainstorming session outdoors.
- Check In with Coworkers: Take a few moments to ask how someone is doing, beyond just their work tasks.
- Share Appreciation: A simple thank-you or a quick note of appreciation can strengthen a relationship and brighten someone’s day.
- Acts of Kindness: Look for small opportunities to help, collaborate, or include others in your daily routine.
Take the Challenge: Find Your Community
This month, we challenge you to intentionally prioritize connection by taking one concrete action: attend one community or campus event or participate in a volunteer activity. Volunteering and community involvement are powerful ways to increase your sense of purpose and belonging.
If you are looking for places to start, here are two great ways to find events, and volunteer opportunities near you:
- Find Local Events and Community Groups
To connect with people who share your passions—whether it’s movies, tech, games, or fitness—search NAU Events Calendar or locally City of Flagstaff Events (or Phoenix, Yuma, etc.)
- Take Action through Volunteering
Volunteering is a double-win: it provides vital support to community organizations while fostering deep social connections. We love finding volunteering opportunities by searching NAU Axe of Service.
For questions or more information, reach out to us at ask-eaw@nau.edu