Tips for Connection

Connection, something we’ve all been lacking over the past 15 months.

In Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, a place of belonging and interpersonal relationships are the third tier, after physiological (basic survival requirements) and safety. There’s no doubt the pandemic has affected our ability to maintain healthy relationships, I feel it and I’m sure you do to.

Connection is such a critical part of our everyday lives, the smile of a loved one, a compliment from a co-worker, encouragement from a teacher. Connection makes us feel special, alive.

‘Deep human connection is… the purpose and the result of a meaningful life – and it will inspire the most amazing acts of love, generosity, and humanity.’ Melinda Gates.

Maybe we’ve forgotten how to connect, it’s been a while!

As we begin to transition to the ‘new normal’ here are a few tips:

SMILE – Smiling can be contagious, studies have shown that smiling makes you feel happier. If your smile can trigger one from someone else, then you’re helping to make the world a happier place.

LISTEN – Don’t multitask, don’t judge, just be present, and really listen. Being a good listener is an essential quality for a good friend, good partner, good parent. It takes practice and restraint, but the other person will really appreciate your full attention.

ASK – Sometimes we can get so caught up in us, what’s happening in our own world that we forget to ask others how they are, and learn more about their lives. This one goes hand in hand with listening, as when we are fully present, we can pick up on the tone of voice, the pauses, intuitively knowing the questions to ask.

COMPASSION – Be kind, we’ve all been through a lot these past 15 months, you don’t know what someone may have lost, loved ones, financial security, elements of their own health. Always be kind, and you’re starting off on the right foot. Also be kind to yourself, if you’re not ready, don’t force yourself to connect with lots of people, take it at your own pace.

HONESTY – To truly connect with someone you need to be honest, otherwise they aren’t connecting with you, they are connecting with the person you’re pretending to be. Honesty truly is the best policy, sometimes it can make us feel vulnerable, but it’s in the vulnerability that we grow and learn about ourselves.

Hope those 5 tips help as we re-emerge from lockdown over the next few weeks.

Talking of connection, I’m starting a Facebook community – Breathe Connect Discover.

If you’re…

✨ Looking to bring stillness to the mind and energy in the body.

✨ Craving a break from the busyness, need to slow it down, find calm and joy being in the present moment.

Then... Prioritise YOU! Start taking accountability for your wellbeing via the medium of yoga and mindfulness. CLICK HERE to join!

Katie x