Staying Connected in a Disconnected World

People with strong relationships are happier, healthier and live longer. Technological advances have improved connectivity between people all across the globe. Yet with all this technology, some people are more isolated than ever. Add to that the burdens of work, home, and family responsibilities, and you may be feeling disconnected—even depressed. Here are some steps for solving the disconnect and nurturing strong connections in your life.

Use technology for good. Make quick connections with the important people in your life by sending them an email, text or instant message. One caveat, though—do not let this become a substitute for real life, face-to-face interactions with those people. In fact, you’d be best served by setting an alarm on your phone as a reminder that you need to stop and make a connection with someone.

Emphasize quality. Make it a priority not to have conversations with a lot of people, but to have meaningful conversations with fewer people. Put another way, don’t spend the bulk of your time communicating with more people, but instead spend quality time with those you love. Winnow down your inner circle to those people who are positive influences in your life and leave you feeling better about yourself.

Celebrate your connections—and yourself. Build stronger connections by responding to people with positivity. Keep in mind that not every interaction has to be deep and meaningful. Take time to just have fun and be lighthearted together. Finally, be kind to yourself. Remind yourself that you’re making the effort to better yourself—and that you’re worth it.