Physiological Effects of Human Interaction

Have you ever felt like you were spending too much time alone? People come together to work, celebrate, play or relax. But the interesting facts seems to be that human interaction has both physiological and psychological benefits for us. Human social interaction seems to have the positive benefits of reducing an array of symptoms that come from stress and loneliness.

Improves Feeling of Well-Being

• Oxytocin is a hormone our body produces that serves to reinforce social bonds between people. This hormone causes us to feel a sense of trust and well-being when we are in the presence of others, whether this relationship is between friends, family, a mother and child, or a couple. Physiologically, this hormone combats stress hormones, which reduce feelings of stress and anxiety that often come with prolonged social isolation.

Reduces Risk of Stroke and Heart Attack

• Stress and anxiety wreak havoc on our bodies, especially our cardiovascular system. Stress hormones can cause sustained elevated levels of heart rate, increased blood pressure and even eventually a heart attack or stroke. But simply spending time with someone can produce a therapeutic, relaxing effect on our bodies that can help reduce the risk of heart disease and other illnesses of the cardiovascular system.

Maintains a Healthy Immune System

• Living a lifestyle deprived of socialization can cause our overall health to decline and lead to an increase in our susceptibility to getting sick or even getting cancer. A combination of having hormone balance, mental health, reduced stress and an alleviation of the harmful effects caused by stress and anxiety boosts the immune system in functioning optimally so it can combat disease.

Regulates Mental Health

• Being with others assists in maintaining a healthy mental state. Prisoners who are deprived of a normal amount of human contact can develop depression and rage, which can lead to self-harming behaviors and seeking to commit violence against others. Other mental factors that can arise from the stress of isolation are hallucinations, ringing in the ears, impaired ability to concentrate and a reduction in impulse control. Norman social interaction between people in a face-to-face setting helps reduce the risk of developing these symptoms and ailments and leads to living a higher quality of life.