Social Connections

Your Social Environment Can Shape You

You've probably heard "you're the average of the five people you spend the most time with".

The idea behind this emphasises the importance of your network and who you connect with - surrounding yourself with people who inspire you, positively challenge you and support your growth.

Did you know…

Time spent with positive, supportive people can strengthen your brain's positive response networks.

Fun Fact

Your own positive behaviour can create ripple effects, potentially lifting the mood of the entire group.

The Biological Impact of Your Circle

When you spend time with people who genuinely care about you, your body releases oxytocin (the "bonding hormone") and reduces cortisol (the "stress hormone").

This doesn't just feel good – it can help boost your immune system, lower blood pressure, and even help with healing.

Signs of Energy Drainers

Some relationships subtly drain you rather than energise you. Some signs may include:

• You feel exhausted after spending time with someone

• They rarely celebrate your wins (or quickly change the subject)

• The conversation is mostly complaints or gossip

• You find yourself walking on eggshells around them

• Their problems often take priority, but they show little interest in your challenges

• There are subtle (or overt) put downs

Creating balance and boundaries with people who can impact you negatively can be beneficial to your overall wellbeing.

Question of the Week

Think about the last time you felt truly energised after spending time with someone.

What qualities did that person bring to the interaction?

How might you cultivate more of those qualities in yourself? (or even just recognise what qualities you already have - and help spread the joy!).

Quote to Ponder

"Show me your friends and I'll show you your future." - Dan Peña

Random Wonder

Loneliness activates the same regions of the brain as physical pain, which explains why rejection or exclusion can literally "hurt."

Some people create exclusive cliques or divisive dynamics in relationships – the fear of being on the outside is so powerful that creating "insiders" and "outsiders" becomes a way to secure one's own position.

Throughout evolution, exclusion from the group could be harmful to the individual, which helps explain why social politics can feel so intensely important to our brains.

Weekly Challenge

The Positivity Ripple:

Choose to be intentionally uplifting with people you meet. Give sincere compliments, practice active listening without interrupting, or simply ask thoughtful genuine questions, that show you value others.

Notice how this changes both your interactions and how you (and they hopefully) feel afterward. The goal isn't perfection but noticing how being a positive force affects both others and yourself.

Sometimes the fastest way to find yourself in a supportive environment is to start creating one.