A posting on a wellness newsletter I recently read touted the benefits of social connections as a way to improve mental and physical health. My socially-embedded learning framework argues that humans’ need for connection to others goes beyond something nice to have. Something more than a “bonus” to improve our health.

I argue that social connections are vital and essential. Without social connections we can lose our minds [solitary confinement is torture and can lead to insanity], or physically die [humans cannot survive in the world very long without the aid of others].

Yet do we recognize that social connections are essential? Do we prioritize them? When faced with the push of a long to-do list, do we isolate ourselves and ignore those we love? I know for me the answer to those questions has too often been “yes.” As I rapidly approach retirement, one of my few regrets is that I let the addiction of getting things done often crowd out my connection to others.