Braden Hall

understanding that the health benefits are just tremendous.

When it comes to our social connections, often it's easier to say no or to avoid connecting with others because we want to avoid the social risk.

The idea is just as when we work out physically, over time it gets easier and easier.

It's the same deal with our social relationships.

The more we exercise our social muscle, the more comfortable we are in social settings.

It just becomes easier.

Yeah, exactly.

And be kind to yourself.

I mean, we're all different.

I may want to meet with five people this month and go for coffee.

Other people, maybe it's just that one person reconnecting with them.

But it all is positive for our health and well-being.

I'd say start small.

I mean, it could mean just going out in public and giving a nod to somebody else, smiling at them.

These sorts of cues may seem trivial, but they actually matter tremendously in terms of our feeling connected to something larger than ourselves.

And in fact, I would encourage all of your listeners to talk to everybody.

And every context, cashiers, baristas, people you encounter along the sidewalk when you're on a walk, these all make a difference in terms of just, again, exercising that social muscle, getting comfortable talking to people and feeling good about making connections with other people.

Yeah, absolutely.

Social infrastructure refers to the networks, institutions, spaces that all facilitate or afford that sort of social connection.

And they become really important because they help facilitate those interactions.