Connection has always been a basic human need. From firesides to FaceTime, sharing ourselves with other people is  part of the human experience. When we go without it, feelings of isolation and discomfort cloud our judgment and make our everyday lives that much harder to navigate. The simple act of airing our stressors can lighten our mood. Having a moment of self reflection with someone else can center us and bring us clarity. Even practicing a difficult conversation in a judgment-free environment can lead us to discoveries we might not have reached alone. 

The Science of Being Heard

We all know that talking makes us feel better but perhaps  not the science behind why. In order to investigate the possibility that self-disclosure is intrinsically rewarding, researchers from the Harvard University Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Lab utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to get a picture of brain activity while speaking on certain topics. Their findings were revolutionary in identifying that, while talking about themselves, candidates experienced activity focused in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and the ventral tegmental area (VTA), both parts of the mesolimbic dopamine system. Their brains were actually releasing dopamine and subsequently improving their mood as they answered questions about their personal experiences! 

Understanding these mental rewards allows for a comfortable and beneficial dialogue to be shared during an exchange of personal experiences. 

Processing and Peace of Mind

Having a sounding board to bounce ideas off of is a timeless strategy for organizing and collecting our thoughts. We can make discoveries and gather insights we  may not have considered without a bit of friendly encouragement.  

It can be hard to be honest with someone close to us, especially when we haven’t fully processed our thoughts  yet. Talking to someone with no influence over us or our decisions can feel incredibly freeing. We rarely get the opportunity to have inconsequential conversations in our busy everyday lives, but it can be so relaxing to vent, share, and then exit a conversation with nothing but positives.  The benefits of talking to someone in a judgment free environment are endless. 

Breaking Out of Isolation

Our social pools are very closed after the pandemic. Some of us only talk to our immediate family and coworkers and it can leave us feeling “out of practice” with socializing. Isolation can feel unavoidable, but the tools we acquire to navigate those feelings often come when we are discussing our options with someone else. 

Having a practice run of a conversation can make us feel more confident about the decisions we are making as well as slowly remind ourselves what speaking to someone outside of our “network” is like. Experiencing unfamiliar conversation in a safe and controlled environment can lead to an increased sense of self confidence and an easier transition out of isolation. 

Taking the First Step Towards Connection

The most important step is reaching out. And when you do, we will be here to listen. Whether you have a specific topic in mind or you just need an empathic ear, know that you always have a place to connect with Listeners On Call.