The Importance of Connection

In my latest video, which you can watch here, I spend some time at one of my favourite places in my hometown: Shrewsbury Indoor Market. It’s a space full of colour, creativity and warmth, and at Christmas it feels especially alive. Wandering through the stalls, chatting with passionate independent traders, and soaking up the friendly atmosphere is always uplifting. Places like this naturally bring people together, which makes the market a perfect setting for reflecting on something that feels particularly important at this time of year: our need for human connection.

Connection is often underestimated when we think about wellbeing, yet research consistently shows that it plays a fundamental role in both mental and physical health. As human beings, we are wired for social bonds. Feeling seen, heard and supported helps regulate our emotions, reduces stress and gives us a sense of security and belonging.

The impact of disconnection can be surprisingly severe. Studies have shown that chronic loneliness can be as damaging to health as smoking around 15 cigarettes a day. This finding often comes as a shock, especially given how much public awareness there is around the dangers of smoking, compared to how little attention loneliness sometimes receives. Yet social isolation has been linked to increased risk of anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease and reduced life expectancy.

Modern life can unintentionally erode everyday opportunities for connection. Small interactions, like chatting to a cashier, exchanging a few words with a barista, or recognising a familiar face, may seem insignificant, but they can be deeply meaningful, particularly for people who live alone or feel socially isolated. Community spaces like markets play an important role in preserving these moments of human contact, offering a sense of shared experience that goes beyond simple transactions.

It’s also important to acknowledge that connection doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some people thrive on frequent social interaction, while others prefer quieter, more contained forms of connection. Even those who value solitude still need relational threads to feel grounded and supported. Research suggests that it’s not the quantity of social interaction that matters most, but its quality and how safe and authentic it feels.

For those who experience social anxiety or low energy, connection can feel effortful. In these cases, gentle and manageable steps are key. Meeting someone in a familiar environment, choosing activities with a natural time limit, or connecting through shared interests can make social contact feel more accessible. Walks, for example, often reduce pressure by allowing conversation to ebb and flow naturally alongside the surroundings.

As with most aspects of wellbeing, balance matters. Overloading diaries with social plans can quickly become overwhelming, but withdrawing completely can be just as harmful. Small, consistent points of connection tend to be the most protective, the kind that can be sustained without strain.

The message is clear: connection is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Whether through community spaces, friendships, or brief everyday interactions, nurturing connection supports both our immediate wellbeing and our long-term health. Especially during the festive season, when feelings of loneliness can be heightened, choosing to prioritise connection, with ourselves and with others, can make a profound difference.