Join the 5-for-5 Connection Challenge
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has focused extensively on the “epidemic of loneliness and isolation” impacting American mental health, especially among young people.
Amidst rising technology use, “evidence illustrates that we have reason to be concerned about the impact of some kinds of technology use on our relationships, our degree of social connection,and our health.” In some cases, ironically, “social” media heightens a sense of disconnection from others.
One antidote? Genuine connections with those around us. “Social connection is as essential to our long-term survival as food and water, ” Murthy urges.
Between December 4-15, 2023, he invites you to take the “5-for-5 Connection Challenge” as a way to build and strengthen your relationships and inspire others to do the same in their daily lives. The premise is simple:
Take 5 Actions for 5 Days
Step 1: Commit to connect
Pick five actions and five days in a row to connect with others in your life.
Step 2: Connect each day for 5 days
Each day, take one simple action to express gratitude, offer support, or ask for help. Need ideas? Check out this card deck of ideas (e.g. including performing practical acts of service, thinking of three good things about a relationship in your life and telling that person, sharing a laugh with a friend, paying forward a small act of kindness, etc.)
Step 3: Reflect and share
Use the postcard below to reflect on what you did to connect with others and how the connection made you feel:
:
Inspire others in your circle to reach out as well. Get your friends and family to try it too!
See how you feel at the end of five days. Perhaps you’ll even start to forge new habits that leave you feeling happier and more connected to those around you.
Download the Connect Card Deck here.
Learn more about the 5-for-5 Connection Challenge.
Read Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community for more on how vital connection is to our mental and physical health.
Read “We Have Become a Lonely Nation. It’s Time to Fix That” by Dr. Vivek Murthy in The New York Times.