I Really Need a Hug.
We live a time that has been defined by its scholars as the loneliest civilisation in human history.
With the advances in communication and the standard of living it’s highest in all recorded history, you would think this could not possibly be true, but it is
Intimacy and Health
Intimacy is so crucial to the development and the survival of the human species, it sets up the framework to the health and development of our entire neurobiological system. Intimacy, physical contact, facial mimicry and emotional validation impact the structure of your brain and how well your cells will function.
The more reciprocal physical connections you have the lower your risk is of developing a stress-related illness. You will live longer, get sick less often and feel as though your life has more meaning.
It is not new news that the smartphone has decimated our social structures and chemical bonds – since 2012 the rate of youth suicide has risen exponentially; along with heart disease, stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and of course the basket of mental illnesses associated to loneliness and stress.
As we look at the hiking statistics of human unhappiness and mental illness it can’t be overlooked that one of the major contributors is the lack of social interactions. Social and emotional isolation and the poor quality of our already established relationships has crippled our health and wellbeing.
So why is it we can’t stop taking selfies and talk to our friends in person?…
EVEN JUST THE PRESENCE OF A SMARTPHONE LOWERS THE QUALITY OF IN-PERSON CONVERSATIONS
Are smartphones causing more teen suicides?
Increases in depression and suicide appeared among teens in 2012 – the same time smartphone ownership became the norm. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/may/24/smartphone-teen-suicide-mental-health-depression
Guest Contributor: Emily Rack
Business Name: Horatios Jar
Publisher: Digital Schools
Emily Rack is a yoga teacher, meditation instructor, freelance writer and visual content creator. She incorporates a unique creative flair into her yoga and meditation classes, courses and workshops. Emily hosts events and classes in schools and the wider community & is passionate about teaching the art of mindfulness.
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