101+ ways to create connection and community.

3 out of 4 Americans report that they are dissatisfied with the quality of their relationships. 2 out of 5 say they don’t feel close with anyone. Even worse, this lack of connection is fueling the current depression pandemic.

Having positive relationships is the number one predictor of happiness and helps prevent and reduce depression. Every act of connection—large and small—matters. When you connect, you protect.

This blog is a growing collection of small action steps—based on research—that you can use to improve the quality of your relationships and create stronger connection in your life and workplace. A new post is released each Monday. I hope you’re inspired to experiment and would love to hear your thoughts, ideas, and experiences in the comments.

If you’d like to receive these posts in your inbox, sign up for our weekly newsletter. Happy connecting!

Posts in happiness

73. How helping others helps you

There are countless organizations, people, and causes that need support. You can make a difference by volunteering your time … and the benefits are reciprocal!

connection, happinessJessica GiffordJanuary 23, 2023volunteer, givingComment

57. Connection: the key to longevity

The current “default mode” for many people is being alone, and it takes a conscious decision and effort to get together with other people. What if you were able to build connection in and make it the default more often?

friendship, connection, happinessJessica GiffordOctober 3, 2022Comment

33. Laugh: 6 ways to increase your LQ (Laughter Quotient)

Did you know that laughing reduces loneliness (as well as a whole host of other benefits)? Here are some ideas to up your laughter game.

connection, happiness, relationship-buildingJessica GiffordApril 4, 2022laughter Comments

32. Change your enviroment ... it may be making you lonelier.

Most of us want to feel more connected, but our physical environment may be conspiring against that goal.

connection, belonging, happinessJessica GiffordMarch 28, 2022physical environment, spaceComment

21. Align Your Time With Your Priorities

Most people would say family and friends are more important than anything else, but the way we spend our time doesn’t always match our priorities. Try this simple exercise to see how well your time aligns with your priorities.

connection, friendship, happinessJessica GiffordJanuary 10, 2022prioritiesComment