For a while, I pulled back from social interactions because everything felt so heavy. The constant stream of bad news left me drained, anxious, and disconnected. It’s easy to retreat inward when the world feels overwhelming, but staying in that space too long can start to chip away at our mental and emotional health.
Getting back into “peopling” has reminded me how important human connection really is. Even small interactions, like grabbing coffee with a friend or chatting with someone at the store, have lifted my spirits. Socializing helps release feel good chemicals in the brain, like oxytocin and dopamine, which genuinely help counteract stress and anxiety.
Beyond the chemical boost, peopling has given me perspective. Talking with my friends reminds me that while there’s a lot wrong in the world, there’s also kindness, humor, and resilience. Sharing laughter, talking about things that do not matter at all and watching funny videos helps me feel less alone in the chaos.
I’m learning that while it’s okay to take breaks from socializing when life feels too intense, completely isolating myself doesn’t serve me well. Peopling, in balanced doses, is good for me. It doesn’t erase the world’s problems, but it helps me stay connected, hopeful, and emotionally healthier.
So I’m leaning into it, and feeling grateful for the simple joy of being with others.
