Are you tired and feel low in energy, do you want this to improve? Here’s a fascinating observation about the relationship to our social life and how energized we feel on a day to day basis.

From a health perspective, research shows that there are a few very interesting correlations between a healthy Social Life and ones Energy Levels.  Findings have shown there to be a strong interplay between social connections and energy levels, and it makes sense given the psychological and physiological effects social interactions can have on individuals. Read more to find out.

1. Psychological Factors Social connections can provide emotional support, which may reduce stress and improve mental health. For introverts, one-on-one interactions may provide a boost, while for extroverts, group settings might be more energizing. Both types of social engagement, in different forms, may help reduce feelings of isolation, depression, or anxiety, which are known to drain energy.
2. Motivation and Accountability People who have strong social connections, whether through a group or individual partnerships, may feel more motivated to engage in physical activities. Group events like walks, hikes, or biking not only promote movement but also provide social incentives to participate. Social support increases accountability, which can lead to better adherence to health-related activities.
3. Endorphins and Social Bonding Engaging with others during physical activities can lead to the release of endorphins and other positive neurotransmitters, which not only help elevate mood but also contribute to feelings of increased energy.
4. Self-Perception and Self-Worth Having social connections can improve a person’s self-esteem and sense of belonging. This sense of worth can enhance an individual’s overall vitality and desire to engage in health-promoting behaviors.
5. Physical Activity and Social Engagement Synergy Participating in activities like group walks or fitness events can also improve physical health, which directly impacts energy levels. The benefits of regular exercise are well-established, as it improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and boosts endurance, all of which contribute to feeling more energetic.

Social Connections and Quality of Life – Insights from Research

Longevity and Quality Social Interactions

• Social Connections & Longevity Numerous studies highlight a strong link between social connections and improved longevity. Research has found that those with strong social ties tend to live longer, healthier lives (e.g., University of Michigan study on social integration).
• Quality of Social Interactions Quality of relationships (rather than quantity) is a more powerful predictor of longevity. Deep connections with friends and family provide emotional support, reduce stress, and promote mental and physical well-being.
• Social Isolation Conversely, social isolation and loneliness can increase the risk of chronic diseases, cognitive decline, and early mortality (Harvard Health study).

The Brain and Social Connection

• Universal Social Connection The brain does not differentiate between interactions with close family members or casual encounters, such as with a kind shopkeeper, a neighbor, or someone at a bus stop. All these exchanges trigger similar positive responses in the brain, releasing feel-good hormones like oxytocin.
• Oxytocin & Social Bonding Whether it’s a brief kind word from a stranger or a deep conversation with a loved one, the brain registers these as social bonding events, reinforcing a sense of community and well-being.

Touch, Massage, and Physical Connection

• Touch and Well-Being Physical touch, like hugging or massaging, triggers the release of oxytocin, lowers cortisol (stress hormone), and can promote feelings of security and comfort. For people who live alone or lack close family ties, the absence of touch can lead to feelings of loneliness and heightened stress.
• Massage as a Substitute Research suggests that regular massage therapy can partially replace the benefits of human touch, providing both physical relaxation and emotional relief. Studies show that massage therapy can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and even boost immune function, particularly in individuals lacking close physical interactions (Journal of Clinical Psychology).
• Massage for Loneliness For those with limited social contact, regular massage has been shown to decrease loneliness and promote feelings of well-being, although it may not fully replace the emotional connection from human touch within close relationships.

Hours of Social Interaction – What is Necessary?

• Social Interaction Recommendations Research indicates that meaningful social interaction is essential for mental and physical health. The American Psychological Association suggests at least 1-2 hours per day of face-to-face socializing is beneficial for well-being, though the quality of interactions is more important than sheer quantity.
• Impact of Social Support Even brief interactions (10-15 minutes) of meaningful social contact each day can have a positive impact. For those in isolated conditions, online or phone conversations with friends or family can also be beneficial in supplementing in-person connections.
• Social Isolation in Older Adults Studies on older adults suggest that a lack of social support can lead to increased cognitive decline and poorer physical health outcomes. Having weekly interactions (such as 3-5 hours a week) has shown positive results for seniors’ mental health and longevity.

Active and Interactive Activities – Greater Impact on Health

• Socializing + Movement Combining social interaction with physical activity can have a profound impact on health. Activities such as:
• Dancing: Enhances cardiovascular health, improves mood, and promotes coordination.
• Walking Stimulates both social connection (if done with others) and physical well-being.
• Group Exercise Engaging in group fitness classes, yoga, or tai chi fosters both community and physical health.
• Hiking or Biking Physical activities in nature provide stress relief while offering an opportunity for social interaction, boosting both mental and physical health.
• Enhanced Health Outcomes The combined effect of moving and interacting socially—whether in a group or with a partner—enhances the body’s immune response, improves brain function, and reduces feelings of isolation.

In summary, social connections are vital to maintaining both longevity and quality of life. Whether through casual interactions or more profound relationships, social bonds reduce stress, enhance mood, and promote physical health. For those isolated or lacking close relationships, regular massage can help mitigate the effects of physical loneliness, though it is still most beneficial when combined with other forms of human connection. Active and interactive activities, which blend movement with social engagement, offer the highest impact on both mental and physical health.

Click through to take our “Our You Fit for Life” quiz and find out how your social interactions relate to your energy score.

Here are some suggestions for incorporating this insight into your Daily activity.

1. Social Connection & Activity Tracking

• Feature Integration Add a section to your app where users can track both their physical activities (e.g., walking, hiking, biking) and their social interactions (e.g., group events, one-on-one check-ins, virtual hangouts). You could visualize this in a dashboard to show how increased social engagement correlates with higher energy levels or activity scores.
• Activity Challenges Create challenges that encourage users to participate in group activities. For example, a “Group Walk Challenge” could encourage people to invite a friend or join a virtual group. The more people they engage with, the more energy points or rewards they earn.
• Social Health Score Develop a social health score that takes into account both physical activity and social connections. For example, someone who regularly joins group fitness events or interacts socially in a health-related context could earn a “social vitality” score alongside their physical activity score.

2. Personalized Recommendations

• Social Engagement Suggestions Based on activity patterns and energy levels, tailored activities that incorporate social elements. For instance, if you are experiencing low energy and tend to engage in solo activities, try a group-based activities or virtual class or meet up.
• Introvert/Extrovert Considerations  Introverts might prefer one-on-one interactions (like walking with a friend or setting up a virtual coaching session), while extroverts might benefit more from group-based events (like team hikes or fitness classes).
• Buddy System A “Buddy System” where you  pair up with others for an activity can be very rewarding.  This creates accountability and support, which might motivate you more.

3. Gamification and Rewards

• Social Engagement Badges Create a set of achievements related to social activities. For example, our Bingo Card ( we will send you one based on your “Fit for Life” score when you take our quiz) could help you get excited about your progress by marking the activities you have tried or do regularly and observing your progress while monitoring your and getting self awareness about how the regular activities are increasing your wellbeing.
• Energy Boost Rewards Reward yourself for both physical activity and energy, such as a “Social Energy Boost” reward  after completing five group fitness activities or a “Motivation Master” reward after completing a month of consistent social and physical engagement.
• Points for Social Sharing we encourage you to share your progress on social media or in person with friends and family. For example, sharing about a recent hike, bike ride, or group workout could help to build a sense of community. Sharing pictures of places where people are having fun together has its own dopamine boost.

4. Community Building

• Create Groups/Communities Build virtual communities around specific health activities (e.g., “Weekend Hikers” or “Morning Joggers”). This can provide a space for you to interact, share tips, and motivate each other, fostering a sense of belonging that can improve both energy and mental health.
• Group Events Calendar Create lists of local or virtual group events, such as walks, hikes, fitness classes, or social gatherings. By integrating a social calendar, you can make it easy for to find and join activities that boost your physical health and social connections.
• Peer Support Groups For individuals who may not have as many social connections, set up peer support groups within the app. These groups could focus on shared activities, struggles, or goals (e.g., “Energy Boosters,” “Introverts on the Move”). Facilitated support or discussion forums might encourage more consistent participation.

5. Data Insights & Feedback

• Track Social & Energy Correlation Implement a feature that allows users to track how their energy levels and social connections are evolving over time. For example, the app could ask users to self-report their energy and social connection levels at regular intervals and then provide insights, like “Your energy levels have increased by 15% after joining weekly social workouts!”
• Positive Reinforcement When a user participates in a group event or reaches a certain social engagement threshold, send them encouraging messages or tips about how their increased social interaction may be contributing to their improved energy levels.

6. Health Coaching & Support

• Social Support Coaching Consider hiring a virtual health coach who focuses not just on physical health but on social health too. The coach can encourage users to engage with others and integrate social connections into their daily routine. A coach might suggest, “Invite a friend for your next walk to increase your energy and keep up your motivation.”
• Energy-Boosting Workshops Host virtual workshops or webinars on how to build strong social networks and their impact on physical health and energy levels. These could be tied into the app, with users earning rewards or points for attending.

7. Encouraging Social and Physical Activities Together

• Group Activities Tracking Track activities where you are engaging socially and physically together, such as “Walk and Talk”, team-based challenges, or social workout routines. Seeing the combined effects on both social and physical health can feel really good.
• Socialized Fitness Plans Participate in fitness plans  such as “Buddy Workouts” or group fitness classes. Join activities based on preferences and your social activity.

By blending the benefits of social connections with physical activity,  you can enhance their overall well-being . After reading this you might be more aware that social interactions are not just nice-to-haves but essential components of a holistic, healthy lifestyle.

Take our Quiz and we will send you a customized response based on your score.  Our health care team is here to support your journey to better health and we have curated some unique ways you can be more social, more active and have more energy!

Change is easier than you think: “Celebrate the small wins”  “Small daily actions make real progress over time”  Good Luck and Good Energy!