The Art and Science of Connection

A groundbreaking redefinition of health and wellbeing that emphasizes the need for social health--a sense of belonging or social connection--to achieve true wellness, braiding together new science, mindset shifts, and practical wisdom for cultivating strong relationships in our own lives. Wellness is commonly understood to be about achieving and maintaining good physical and mental health--exercising, eating a balanced diet, and taking care of our emotional needs through various methods, from meditation to therapy. But pioneering social scientist and social health expert Kasley Killam argues that this definition of wellbeing is missing a major component: social connection. Relationships not only make us happier, but they are also critical to our overall health and longevity. Research shows that people with smaller social networks are more susceptible to diabetes, and, incredibly, poor social relationships can increase your risk of developing heart disease by 29%. Conversely, people wit