For 30 days, GPS for the Soul and meQuilibrium are providing you tips on how to live a healthier, happier and stress-free life. See the previous stress tips here.
Cultivating empathy and connection is a critical component of stress management, yet far too many people dismiss it as unimportant compared to getting this or that done. Fact is, research shows that people who are more connected in life report greater life satisfaction and show much greater resilience, meaning that they bounce back from adversity more quickly and easily.
The trouble is, when stress rises, empathy wanes, the Wall Street Journal reported. That means when stress hormones increase, you literally have less ability to empathize with someone else's joy or pain -- especially if that person is a stranger. The good news is that boosting empathy isn't rocket science, nor does it have to take up a lot of time. A brief, empathetic interaction will work wonders. Ask someone out to coffee today, your treat. Practice listening with no other agenda. You'll get a refreshing and much-needed break in your day, connect with someone in a meaningful way, nurture your own network and help build your resilience more than you realize.
Read more about how to boost empathy.
--Posted by Lindsay Holmes
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