We humans are hardwired to connect with each other. Think of a time you cringed in sympathy when someone else got hurt. Mirror neurons in your brain responded as though you actually suffered the pain. And when someone smiles at you, micro-muscles in your face automatically respond, even if you don't smile back. 

In his book "More Together Than Alone: Discovering the Power and Spirit of Community in Our Lives and in the World," philosopher Mark Nepo likens humanity to a grove of aspen trees: individuals reliant on an invisible "root" system of community. 

When you’re alone, opiate levels actually go down. Dr. Emma Seppälä, writing for The Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University, noted in her article "Connectedness & Health: The Science of Social Connection" that people with strong social connections experience lower levels of anxiety and depression, higher self-esteem, greater empathy, and better overall wellness. Research shows that feeling a lack of belonging can be worse for your physical health than smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure.

A great reason to give someone a hug or go for a walk with a friend!

Practice

It’s one of the most basic human needs, to extend love and kindness to ourselves and to others. Brené Brown says, “We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love, be loved, and to belong.” The connection practices such as this 6-minute one speak to that.