Tip of the Week: Get your daily dose of micro-connection

Social connection is a leading factor in living a long and happy life. We are social creatures. Connection is as important to our well-being as food.

When we hear “connection” we usually think about spending quality time with family, friends, peers, and colleagues. There’s another type of connection we tend to underestimate: micro-connection.

Micro-connections are brief yet meaningful moments of shared positive emotion: a spontaneous conversation at the check out, a hi and smile when passing by someone on the sidewalk, holding the door for someone, a shared moment of laughter with a stranger.

Research shows that these micro-connections have a real and positive impact on our mental health:

Reduced loneliness, deepened feelings of connection, improvements in mood, and increased resilience.

These small moments can add up to a strong prescription for well-being.

Your to-do for today: Make a point of talking to or just smiling at the people around you. Sounds simple, but you might need to override your instincts.

We often don’t initiate these connections because we think it will be awkward or the other person won’t want to engage. Studies show that we get this wrong.

People who push through their reluctance and connect with others are happier than those who don’t. And, the recipient of the attention appreciates it more than we think they will. A win-win.

Micro-connecting is also a great thing to model for your family. When they see you doing it, they’ll be more likely to follow suit. Over time it becomes a habit.

So next time your brain tells you to not to engage - to look away, pull out your phone, or walk faster... Don’t!

Hit the override button and connect.

Want to learn more?

Small Forms of Connection with Surprising Impact, Psychology Today

Three Micro-connections a Day Challenge, Connection Matters w/ Caroline McGuire M.Ed.

Talking to Strangers Makes You Happy, Scientific American

Creating Micro-moments in Your Community, University of Minnesota Extension on YouTube