Community Hack
Each day, intentionally connect with your community.
“The need for connection and community is primal, as fundamental as the need for air, water, and food.”
— Dean Ornish.
Why community? Plain and simple - people need people.
It has been proven time and time again that having strong social connections (family, friends, co-workers, church, common interest groups, etc.) lead to happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. Furthermore, having strong social connections is the highest indicator of longevity. Yes, even more than eating a salad or walking on your lunch break!
Why this specific hack? This hack is great because it is easy to incorporate into your life, easy to remember and extremely rewarding. Simply have coffee or lunch with a coworker, call your mom, attend a local workshop, volunteer, make dinner for your friends, or go on a date with your partner. The important part is to do it, be present and enjoy.
How do I make this happen? Yes, this seems like a time COMMITMENT. It doesn't have to be. It can be just a 5-minute phone call, 10-minute java break or a 20 minute walk with a co-worker. Also, pairing regular daily tasks (memorable) with this hack is a great way to start or maintain. Call your sister while you are folding laundry, invite your neighbor on your evening stroll after dinner, or invite your parents over for Monday night football. It is helpful to set your intention in the morning by asking yourself, "who am I going to connect with today" and/or asking yourself each evening, "who did I connect with today."