Why Connection Matters More Than Ever This Mental Health Month

For many of us, days of social distancing have turned into weeks. Never before has our world felt more isolated.

55% of Americans say their mental health is suffering because of the coronavirus outbreak and 47% of Americans said they’re feeling more lonely than usual because of the coronavirus pandemic and the isolation it’s caused.

We are social creatures. Moreover, a sense of social connection is one of our fundamental human needs that impacts our mental health and physical health. As Brene Brown once said, “A deep sense of love and belonging is an irresistible need of all people. We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love, to be loved, and to belong. When those needs are not met, we don’t function as we were meant to.”

People who feel more connected to others have lower rates of anxiety and depression. And researchers agree, it doesn’t have to do with the number of people you hang out with, or the number of friends you have on social media. Rather, it’s about the quality of connection or how connected you feel on the inside. In times where you can’t connect in person, Simple Habit is eager to create new ways to help you feel connected.

This Mental Mental Health Awareness month, we are proud to be launching Better Together, an initiative to help you stay connected, feel supported and find your community while you navigate your mental health journey during this uncertain time.

So, What Does It Include?

Simple Habit teamed up with 50 influencers, who recorded personal stories that shed light on their untold struggles with mental health. The new collection, titled “You’re Not Alone”, is now available on Simple Habit to provide support and hope for those of us that feel alone in our struggles. On days where you feel disconnected and your struggles seem like they’re getting the best of you, browse through You’re Not Alone, which includes stories from influencers including:

• Erin Mortz; a mom and her battle with postpartum depression
• Ksenia; on heartbreak and losing what she thought was her dream career to finding self-love and learning how to be present with herself
• Christina Pollack; a lifestyle editor that chose faith over fear to help a family member miraculously recover from being in the ICU
• Samantha Shakira Clarke; An athlete and yoga teacher on her recovery from substance abuse
• Erin Elizabeth; on navigating life after being diagnosed with a brain tumor and PTSD

On days where you’re feeling more social and eager for a virtual hangout with friends and family, we’ve also launched our Meditation Studio. A new feature that allows you to connect with your loved ones and practice self-care together, even if you’re not in the same room.

Here are a few ways you can take advantage of your Meditation Studio:

• Start your mornings with a daily gratitude practice with your best friends and loved ones
• After a long day, invite your family together to destress using your favorite guided meditation for relaxation on Simple Habit
• Before a client or team meeting, invite your colleagues to start with a 5 minute breath work meditation to help you all feel calm and focused

When it comes to your Meditation Studio, you’re in control. You can invite anyone to join you, as many times in a day as you’d like.

Whether you enjoy a You’re Not Alone story or a Meditation Studio hangout with friends, we hope you feel love, belonging and connection. Because connection is what life is all about.

Together, we can get through this. Together, we can start to feel better.

Check Out Your Simple Habit Meditation Studio