Houston Methodist (@houstonmethodist.bsky.social)

Social Connection: How Your Social Life Benefits Your Health Monitoring our macros, steps or sleep (maybe with a wearable?) might come to mind if one wants to optimize their well-being. But there’s another factor often gets overlooked in hacking our health: social connection. And, as a society, we’re currently lacking it. One in three Americans report feeling lonely every week, according to an American Psychiatric Association poll — and 30% of Americans age 18-34 say they feel lonely every day. Building a strong, meaningful social network (IRL, not online) can be as significant for our health as quitting smoking or losing weight. But what counts as meaningful connection — and can small talk, texting and casual interactions really make a difference? This episode explores how social connection shapes our mental and physical well-being, why loneliness and isolation aren’t the same thing, and how to build healthier, more authentic connections in everyday life. Expert: Dr. Olivia Tomasco, primary care doctor Notable topics covered: • What loneliness is and how it differs from isolation • Why loneliness can affect both mental and physical health • Who is most at risk for social disconnection? • When technology helps connection — and when it may make loneliness worse • Why both quality relationships and everyday small talk matter • What a healthy, supportive connection actually looks like • Whether texting, memes and other digital check-ins really count • How to make new connections in more authentic, low-pressure ways • When loneliness may be a sign it’s time to seek professional help Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 3:07: What is loneliness? 4:58: Isolation, and how it’s different than loneliness 7:10: Technology’s part in feelings of loneliness 9:20: The health benefits of connection and how to know if you’re lonely 12:12: What’s better: quantity or quality when it comes to social connection? 15:03: How unhealthy relationships can hurt our health and well-being 15:54: What healthy connection looks like 18:29: Are texting and sending memes good for fostering connection? 19:27: How to get started reconnecting or building new relationships 22:06: Why balance is key to your social life 27:16: When to talk to your doctor about feeling lonely http://spr.ly/63320B6W6Hn