let’s reflect.
At Good Human Work, we believe that real change takes time. We learn, we reflect, we practice change, we rest, we repeat.
February 2, 2026
Human Connection Matters
Let’s learn.
As licensed therapists, we’re constantly asking people about the relationships in their lives, talking to them about how important human connection is, and encouraging everyone to improve their interpersonal relationships. Especially when times are tough.
Why?
Relationships matter.
Community matters.
Human connection deeply matters.
Our connections with others deeply affects how we think, feel, and function on any given day.
Our relationships are what life really revolves around. They’re filled with emotions of all kinds. Healthy relationships keep us going, build purpose in our lives, and help ground us when we feel unsteady.
The more intentionally we engage in our relationships - and the more we attend to those interactions - the healthier our relationships are, and the healthier we are mentally and even physically.
Let’s reflect.
Research has linked social isolation and loneliness to higher health risks including: high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, and earlier death. Healthy relationships protect us.
Why?
Because humans are hard-wired for connection. We’re social creatures. Loneliness and isolation are silent killers. Of course, that doesn’t mean we need to be surrounded by people all the time, alone time is important too, but it does mean we need healthy connection with other humans.
What matters most is not how much time we spend with people, or how many people we’re connected to. What matters most is the quality of our connection to others.
Relationships of all types and all depths sustain us, and we need a variety of them to help us feel connected and grounded in the world. Casual acquaintances, work colleagues, friends, romantic partners, and children all provide different levels of closeness - and they all matter in different ways.
When times are easy, we need people to relax, laugh, and engage in joyful activities.
When times are hard, we need people to lean on, encourage us, and support our healing and resilience.
Let’s practice change.
We need to be reciprocal in our relationships - providing mutual support, mutual levels of caring, and mutual aid. We need to listen to others, and have them listen to us. We need to support each other.
And this allows us to build community - from casual acquaintances to intimate friends and partners. And community helps us feel less alone, more engaged, and grounded in safety.
Unsure where to start? Choose one small thing to do each day that can help you feel more connected to people in your world.
Open up to a colleague at work
Reach out to someone you miss
Message a family member that you love them
Ask a friendly question of your rideshare driver or barista
Chat about the weather in the checkout lane at a store
Inquire about a new contacts hobbies
Offer to help a neighbor
Send a meme to someone who’s been on your mind
Tell your partner how much they mean to you
Volunteer in your local community
Join a new local activity
Make a list of how you can improve your relationships by investing in them - what would that look like this month?
Want to feel better in a moment? Connect with someone in a meaningful way or help someone in need.
