As herd animals, humans are hard-wired to feel good in face to face interactions and social connection. A sense of belonging, helps to put us into a calmer state, decreases our blood pressure and heart rate and helps to down-regulate our nervous system. Chronic loneliness is now scientifically proven to have adverse effects in all these areas; on a basic physiological level, it’s distressing for humans to not be connected to other people for extended periods of time.
We regulate ourselves at a physical and emotional level by being around other people, however modern life allows us to live in states of unnatural isolation. Hamish Williams and psychotherapist Kyle MacDonald talk about how we build community and social connection and how we can navigate the absence or loss of these survival needs in our lives.
With thanks to NZ on Air.
