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 tagged support

83. Thinking outside the box to address mental health needs

With rates of depression and anxiety continuing to rise, we need to look at creative solutions to help address mental health needs. This post highlights one such solution … the friendship bench movement.

connection, mental health, relationship-buildingJessica GiffordApril 3, 2023friendship benches, support Comments

65. Give support that’s supportive (and doesn't suck you dry)

What’s the right balance between giving and receiving? Is it possible to give too much? Here are some tips to offer support that’s truly supportive and doesn’t drain you.

connection, friendship, relationship-buildingJessica GiffordNovember 28, 2022support, helpComment

8. Ask for help

If you find it difficult to ask for help, you’re not alone! But being independent is overrated—we all need support. These are some ways to ask for help and strengthen your support system.

mental health, connection, communicationJessica GiffordOctober 11, 2021ask for help, ask for support, supportComment