The idea that socialising could help you live longer has gained significant traction in recent years. According to neuroscientist Ben Rein, who is also an author and podcaster, isolation can have severe consequences on our health and wellbeing.
Rein argues that when we are isolated, it triggers a stress response in our body. This leads to the release of cortisol, which suppresses inflammation. However, unlike sabre-toothed tigers, who face a real threat, isolation sticks around, causing our chronic stress response to become prolonged. As a result, this can lead to a buildup of inflammation that affects various organs.
On the other hand, when we're socialising with others, our brains release oxytocin, which is known as "the love hormone". Oxytocin has anti-inflammatory properties and promotes wound healing. It also suppresses stress and anxiety. Married people, who have higher oxytocin rates, tend to have better survival rates for cancer.
However, despite the benefits of socialising, many people struggle to interact with others due to various psychological factors. According to Rein, humans are poor at estimating what will happen when we socialise and how we'll feel afterwards. This is because our brains are wired to be cautious around social interactions, especially in modern times where the internet can provide a pale imitation of real-life socialising.
To combat this, Rein suggests upgrading our interactions by choosing those that offer more social reward. For example, instead of just texting someone, consider calling or video-calling them. By doing so, we can increase our oxytocin levels and decrease our cortisol levels.
While there is no one-size-fits-all prescription for socialising, it's clear that everyone benefits from some amount of social interaction. In fact, research shows that isolated people don't feel the same neurochemical social rewards as those who are well-integrated.
Rein's book, "Why Brains Need Friends: The Neuroscience of Social Connection", aims to convince people that talking to a stranger, giving a compliment, or connecting positively with others is good for their health. By promoting these values, he hopes to provide an incentive for individuals to do something that benefits not just themselves but also society as a whole.
Ultimately, Rein's message is one of hope and pragmatism. While we may not have a visible incentive to socialise like we do when it comes to exercise or sleep, the health benefits are undeniable. By understanding the neuroscience behind social connection, we can become more empathetic, compassionate, and connected individuals, making our communities better places for everyone.
Rein argues that when we are isolated, it triggers a stress response in our body. This leads to the release of cortisol, which suppresses inflammation. However, unlike sabre-toothed tigers, who face a real threat, isolation sticks around, causing our chronic stress response to become prolonged. As a result, this can lead to a buildup of inflammation that affects various organs.
On the other hand, when we're socialising with others, our brains release oxytocin, which is known as "the love hormone". Oxytocin has anti-inflammatory properties and promotes wound healing. It also suppresses stress and anxiety. Married people, who have higher oxytocin rates, tend to have better survival rates for cancer.
However, despite the benefits of socialising, many people struggle to interact with others due to various psychological factors. According to Rein, humans are poor at estimating what will happen when we socialise and how we'll feel afterwards. This is because our brains are wired to be cautious around social interactions, especially in modern times where the internet can provide a pale imitation of real-life socialising.
To combat this, Rein suggests upgrading our interactions by choosing those that offer more social reward. For example, instead of just texting someone, consider calling or video-calling them. By doing so, we can increase our oxytocin levels and decrease our cortisol levels.
While there is no one-size-fits-all prescription for socialising, it's clear that everyone benefits from some amount of social interaction. In fact, research shows that isolated people don't feel the same neurochemical social rewards as those who are well-integrated.
Rein's book, "Why Brains Need Friends: The Neuroscience of Social Connection", aims to convince people that talking to a stranger, giving a compliment, or connecting positively with others is good for their health. By promoting these values, he hopes to provide an incentive for individuals to do something that benefits not just themselves but also society as a whole.
Ultimately, Rein's message is one of hope and pragmatism. While we may not have a visible incentive to socialise like we do when it comes to exercise or sleep, the health benefits are undeniable. By understanding the neuroscience behind social connection, we can become more empathetic, compassionate, and connected individuals, making our communities better places for everyone.
i mean who doesn't love hangin out w/ friends or family? its like ben rein says, isolation can be super bad 4 u, triggers stress response and stuff. but when u r socializin, oxytocin kicks in and its like a total mood booster 
cant deny that when i'm chillin w/ peeps, i feel way more relaxed & happy than when im stuck at home alone 
anyhoo, think we should all try 2 make socializing a priority, esp if ur feelin stressed or anxious. maybe just start w/ small things like facetime calls or textin friends instead of just sitting around online 
! Like, Ben Rein is totally right that isolation is bad for us, but we need to be realistic too - not everyone's got the best social skills or a huge support system. And let's be real, introverts are just as valid as extroverts when it comes to needing alone time 
. So yeah, let's all try to be more social and supportive of each other, even if we're introverts or just really busy 
!
But what really gets me is how important it is to upgrade our interactions and not just stick to one-size-fits-all social media stuff. I mean, sure video-calling your friends can be a great way to catch up, but it's just not the same as hanging out in person. And that's where Ben Rein's idea of choosing more social reward comes in - like calling or texting someone instead of just sending a message.
. Nowadays, everyone's so busy with their own stuff, but Ben Rein makes a point that we should be socializing more like our brains actually need it 
. I mean, I'm not saying I'm gonna start texting my old high school friends or anything (although, that would be cool 
), but it's all about upgrading those interactions and getting those oxytocin levels going 
. We should all be striving to be like Rein – spreading positivity and making connections that benefit everyone, not just ourselves 
. Like, we all need human connection, right? It's not always easy but like, what's the alternative? Solitude is cool and all but its not exactly a healthy lifestyle 
. And Rein's idea of upgrading our interactions by choosing those that offer more social reward sounds like a great starting point 
? It’s like, we need to make an effort to connect with others and its not just about personal gain either – our communities would be way more supportive and awesome if we all just got along 
. But what really gets me is how Rein points out that we need to be more intentional with our social interactions 
. Like, just calling or video-calling someone instead of texting can make a huge difference 
.
. Like, who needs therapy or a book to tell you that hanging out with friends is better than isolating yourself away in a cave? But seriously though, it's kinda interesting how our brains work when we're stressed and anxious. All this cortisol stuff sounds super annoying 
. And don't even get me started on the idea that people are too scared to interact with others because of the internet 
. Like, I get it, social media isn't exactly the best substitute for real-life conversations... but still, can't we just make an effort? 
and it's not just about having friends but even small interactions with strangers can boost your oxytocin levels 
which is super good for your health
It makes total sense, though - when we're around others, our brains are like "Hey, everything's gonna be okay!" 
So yeah, I'm all about finding those social connections and upgrading my interactions 
i mean think about it, when you're around people you get that oxytocin rush which is like a natural painkiller 
so yeah defo do the texting-to-calling thing as ben rein suggests