“Happy 5: The Power of Connection – Be More Penguin”
—
“Here come old flat-top, he come groovin’ up slowly…”
– The Beatles, Come Together
—
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Would you like the gift of happiness this year? Well, ho ho ho, here it is – it’s spending time with people essentially – yes indeed folks, today we explore “connect” the third pillar of the Happy 5…
Of course The Beatles knew this already when they penned their classic tune – “come together”… and penguins are experts in collaboration too, more on that later…
The irony is, that I’m extolling the virtues of connectivity and togetherness, whilst I’m sat alone at home, on Christmas Day. Well, not entirely alone – I found some rat poo earlier, so clearly, there’s a secret party happening somewhere in my sock drawer. I’m hoping to get an invite to it later…
But first a recap:
Happy 5: Daily Habits for a Healthy & Happy Mind.
No. 3 – Connect
The Happy 5 is a simple idea designed to help you take charge of your mental health and happiness. It’s like a “5 a day” for the mind.
By engaging in five daily habits—Move, Give, Connect, Calm, and Grow—you can activate your brain’s natural chemistry to feel better basically. Each habit triggers specific neurotransmitters, for example, Move gets the endorphins flowing, Give boosts serotonin and Connect releases oxytocin—the “love hormone.”
I started writing about this series of blogs about a year ago – how time flies… the idea is to gradually create a book, or the very least a flipping pamphlet… it will be finished in 2025 – watch this space!
—
Turning on the Happiness Tap:
Connection is like turning on a happiness tap—each chat, laugh, or hug gives your brain a little trickle of feel-good oxytocin. Keep connecting, and that trickle can turn into a full-on flood of positivity. All the Happy 5 are cumulative actually – create a happy flood in your brain today!
—
The Evolutionary Power of Connection
Why is connection so vital to our happiness? Because our brains evolved to thrive on it basically.
Humans are social animals, and our big, complex brains didn’t evolve just to solve wordle puzzles or invent silly things – they evolved to help us communicate, collaborate, and support one another. Early humans lived in small, tightly knit groups where cooperation was essential. Sharing food, protecting each other, and hunting together required advanced social skills.
The better we became at connecting with one another—through language, gestures, and empathy—the more successful we were as a species.
Oxytocin is our brain’s way of rewarding connection by making it feel good
—
It’s all Greek to me: Aristotle said, “Man is by nature a social animal.” He understood a few thousands years ago that connection is deeply embedded in our DNA… (well he wouldn’t have know the meaning of DNA but your know what i mean)
—
Lessons from the Animal Kingdom
Humans aren’t the only creatures who thrive on connection. The animal kingdom is full of examples that highlight the importance of social bonds.
Take elephants, for instance. When an elephant is distressed, its herd gathers around, offering comfort with their trunks and low rumbles. These magnificent creatures rely on strong social bonds for survival and emotional support.
Then there are penguins, the ultimate team players. In the freezing cold of Antarctica, penguins huddle together for warmth, rotating positions so everyone takes a turn braving the icy winds. Their teamwork is a masterclass in mutual support—and a reminder that connection is about showing up for one another.
—
Challenge: Are you more like a penguin or a lone wolf right now? Think about it. And if you’re feeling more “wolfish,” maybe it’s time to send a text, make a call, or invite someone to coffee.
—
Why Connection Matters
“In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.”
– Kahlil Gibran
Connection isn’t just a social nicety; it’s a biological necessity. Engaging in meaningful interactions—whether through a deep conversation, a laugh with friends, or a heartfelt hug—releases oxytocin. This magical hormone reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and fosters a sense of belonging.
—
Fun Fact: Neuroscience shows that connection strengthens neural pathways in the brain, making us more resilient to stress and better able to manage challenges. It’s like exercise for your emotional well-being.
—
Simple Wins: How to Connect Every Day
“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”
– Winnie the Pooh
Connection doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple, everyday ways to foster it:
- Send a Little Love:
Reach out with a quick message or call to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. A simple “thinking of you” can brighten both your day and theirs. - Make Time for Togetherness:
Grab a coffee, share a meal, or take a walk with someone you care about. Even 15 minutes of quality time can strengthen bonds. - Show Your Appreciation:
Express gratitude to someone for being in your life. Whether it’s a heartfelt note, a warm text, or a casual “I appreciate you,” it’s a powerful way to connect. - Be Fully There:
Put away your phone, make eye contact, and really listen. Giving someone your full attention is one of the simplest yet most meaningful ways to connect. - Spread Some Cheer:
Offer a compliment, hold the door open, or smile at a stranger. These small acts of kindness create ripples of positivity and make the world feel a little more connected.
The Science of Connection
Connection isn’t just good for your soul—it’s fantastic for your brain. Oxytocin fosters trust, serotonin promotes happiness, and dopamine gives you that warm glow of reward. For those facing depression or anxiety, even small steps toward connection can start a positive feedback loop that builds momentum over time.
—
A clever man once said: Albert Schweitzer famously said, “Happiness is the only thing that multiplies when you share it.” Science agrees—oxytocin ensures that sharing happiness actually feels good.
—
“No man is an island, entire of itself.”
– John Donne
Connection is the heart of the Happy 5. It reminds us that we’re not alone and that together, we can weather any storm—whether it’s the Antarctic winds or the challenges of everyday life.
—
Final Challenge: Before the day ends, take one small step to connect. Call someone, send a message, or smile at a stranger. You never know—it might just be the connection that makes both your days brighter.
—
Merry Christmas, and here’s to a new year filled with love, laughter, and meaningful connections. You’ll be relieved to hear that I have indeed received an invite from Ratty to attend one of his infamous sock draw parties – i literally can’t wait.
The next blog will be on “Calm” – written in the next couple of weeks or so… will need a couple of weeks to recover from the rodent rodeo.
Lots of love,
Marcus Warry
xxx
P.S. Feeling connected already? Share this blog with a friend—it might just be the connection they need today!
