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 wellness

47. Connect with nature

Connecting with nature is something we can do on our own. And experiences of awe--often inspired by nature--increase feelings of connectedness to others and to humanity more broadly.

connection, mental health, wellnessJessica GiffordJuly 11, 2022aweComment

30. Set boundaries. Caring TOO much may be contributing to burnout.

We tend to think of compassionate people as having a bottomless well of kindness, but the truth is that the people who are most compassionate have strong boundaries.

burnout, wellness, relationshipsJessica GiffordMarch 14, 2022boundaries, compassion Comments

29. Strengthen your empathy muscle.

There is evidence that empathy is on the decline, which has frightening personal and global consequences. But you can take steps to build your empathy muscle.

mental health, connection, wellnessJessica GiffordMarch 7, 2022empathy Comments

28. Initiate Quick Connections

As kids we’re told not to talk to strangers, and as adults, most of us prefer not to. But making quick connections improves mood!

connection, wellness, lonelinessJessica GiffordFebruary 28, 2022talk to stratngers Comments

23. Improve your sleep

Poor sleep doesn’t just make us crankier, it also makes us lonelier.

connection, relationships, wellness, student successJessica GiffordJanuary 24, 2022 Comments