Have you stopped going to the store to purchase your foodstuffs and use an online app and delivery service instead?
When you don’t want to do meal prep at home, do you know go online and order food for dinner and have it delivered?
Are you opting to work from home (WFM), because it allows you to be more productive?
Picture this: if you are doing all three of these scenarios, most days, then you are likely isolating yourself from human interaction with others.
It might not sound like much, but when these “modern day conveniences” are utilized every day of the week and weekend, combined with binge watching your favorite show alone, you may develop a deep sense of loneliness and sadness.
This past weekend I went to Auburn, Alabama to visit two students I am mentoring (they are from Haiti and attending college in Costa Rica). They have different housing situations, but what really struck me, was how different their mindsets were.
Student C, spends his time mostly by himself. When he is not at his internship work or doing his mandatory volunteer work 4 hours a week, he stays at home, in his room. He hasn’t made any friends and his receptivity to getting out and about is one of skepticism and a fixed mindset.
Student E, works the same number of hours in his internship and his mandatory volunteer work each week. But he recounted all the other activities he had gotten involved in and seems to have an entire circle of friends. His hobby is playing a musical instrument and he jams with other musicians. He joined a church and socialized with others during the weekend. His energy level was so positive and energetic with a growth mindset.
The contrast was palpable.
And that’s when I remembered what I had learned about longevity. Most people recognize the top three suggestions for living a longer, healthier life:
- Sleep – get at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.
- Move – do any kind of exercise daily. Cardio and/or resistance training. Keep moving every day, even if it’s a leisurely walk in your neighborhood.
- Eat/mindful food choices – eat whole foods, and be mindful of your macros (protein, fats and carbs). Garbage in, garbage out. Avoid HFCS (*High Fructose Corn Syrup) and processed foods (UPF – ultra-processed foods).
Most people don’t know there is a 4th component to leading a long life: Socialization.
If you want to live a long time, in-person socialization with others is a key component. Human interaction helps us socially and mentally.
Do you have a friend, spouse or family member who doesn’t get out much? Do they stay in their room or house, alone, much of the time. Yes, I realize that many (introverts) need that alone time to recharge their energy. However, it can get out of hand and create an isolated mindset.
As you reflect on how much time you are in the presence of others, and how positive you are feeling about yourself and your situation, you may quickly realize that you could find more ways to interact with others. Do some minor tweaks. Even walking around a grocery store, vs. shopping online counts as socialization. Going to the post office to mail a letter counts as socialization. Taking a walk around your neighborhood instead of walking on the treadmill in your basement can improve your mindset.
So, are you unintentionally isolating yourself? Let’s change that!
Onward and upward,
Executive Coaching and Consulting for business CEOs, Owners and Presidents
If you are looking to grow your business or amplify your personal leadership skills, I would love to have a conversation with you. You can email me at [email protected] for a no obligation conversation.
