Did you know that water cooler chats lower your blood pressure? Here is some scientific proof.
Some of you remember the days when we used to gather at the water cooler or coffee pot to talk about last night's episode of our favorite television show.
A lot has changed.
We stream our favorite television shows on our schedule.
Most of us don't go to an office, so gathering by our home water cooler or coffee pot isn't the same experience.
I'm reading The Happiness Advantage, our book of the month for the Mastermind Book Club.
Principal #7 is Social Investment: Why Support is Your Single Greatest Asset.
One of the keys to happiness is social investment.
Don't you feel better after you spend an evening with your friends having a good time?
Have you ever worked for a startup where you had Friday beer blasts (or any day ending with Y)?
I loved working for startups because there was a feeling that we were all in this together.
We worked our asses off and loved every minute of it.
We were not only co-workers. We became lifelong friends and stay in touch 20+ years later.
Writing about the good times I had years ago makes me feel happier.
Studies show employees' positive interaction during a workday actually helps return the cardiovascular system back to resting levels.
I'm having that feeling right now just thinking about the good times I had 20+ years ago.
Now, many people work remotely and don't have in-person interactions with co-workers.
Can we build lifelong relationships with co-workers when we never physically meet?
Do we need to have in-person interactions to reap the same rewards?
I've met many people over the past 20+ years since I started my business.
Many people I've met in person at networking events and at conferences.
I've had thousands of virtual calls with people with whom I've never shaken their hand.
I consider some friends. But who do I consider lifelong friends?
The people I've met in person.
We hung out together.
We drank a few beers together.
We ate dinner together at conferences.
We have a deeper connection because we spent time together.
I have no scientific evidence that meeting people in person gives us a better chance of having a deeper relationship.
But from my experience, it makes a difference.
I'd love to hear what you think.
>>> Join the Mastermind Book Club and jump into the discussion.
