S1 E30 - Community and connection as self care (even for introverts)

I reflect on being relieved that political season has come to an end (mostly).

Then I dive into the benefits of community and how I was reminded how important this is, especially as I had the privlege of talking with Moira Maybin and Valerie Martin.

Community and connection are valuable to our wellbeing, even if we are introverts. We are wired for connection and we need to reach out when we are lonely. I talk about one response to stress as the "tend and befriend" impulse, rather than the usual ones: flee, fight, or freeze.

Interoception is how we detect our internal signals in the body, and this is how we can tell if we are hungry, thirsty, lonely, etc. But many of us have not been taught to pay attention to these signals and we have a limited emotional vocabulary. Wanting can be mixed up with physical hunger, a need for dopamine or oxytocin. We may desire connection rather than food at times.

Conversations help us realize we are not alone. This "humaning" is difficult, so connections are important. Collaborating with others can save us and impact the lives of others also. Maybe we need to start organizing for a 30 hour standard work week. Or maybe older adults still want to work, but not full time.

At the risk of going on a rant, I explain that healthy relationships are the cornerstones of a well-lived life.

References mentioned:

Jenny Blake's Free Time community

Moira Maybin, ADHD Friendly Lifestyle podcast and coaching

Gaia Center podcasts: Bodyful and Creatures of Change

And if you're a leader in an organization and you want to talk about challenges with being "Well at Work" and how your department or company is addressing this need in a mostly hybrid or remote, workplace, I'd love to hear from you.

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Music credit: https://www.melodyloops.com/composers/ihsandincer/

Cover art credit: https://www.natalyakolosowsky.com/