Why we should view time spent with friends and family as a valuable health habit
Australians value time with their mates, but new research suggests many are skipping the moments that can help them feel supported and connected.
TAL's Understanding Modern Australia Report shows Australians place a high value on personal connection. But for many, life gets in the way, cancelling plans because they feel tired, stressed or financially stretched.
Glenn Baird, Head of Mental Health at TAL, said connecting with friends, family and community should be seen as a wellbeing habit.
"Our research shows Australians deeply value their relationships but say they lack the time or resources to connect. At the same time, most people - more than 7 in 10 - are making time for activities that support their mental wellbeing [1]. The opportunity is to bring these things together by treating connection as part of how we look after ourselves."
"For many people, friends and regular social contact are deeply linked to how they feel day to day. That is why saying yes to a simple invitation, or offering one to someone else, can matter."
"It doesn't need to be complicated or time-consuming. It can be a quick call, a walk around the block, or accepting an invitation you would usually decline," Mr Baird said.
Low-pressure plans help people stay connected
A separate TAL survey [2] looking at Australians' habits around social connection, found fatigue is the main reason people cancel plans (37%), 35% cancel because they do not feel like going out and 26% because they need time alone. Women are more likely than men to say tiredness gets in the way of social plans (45% compared with 28%). One in five cancelled plans because of cost (20%).
The survey found people are more likely to follow through when plans are simple and low friction. Being close to home (54%), at a convenient time (47%) or free (45%) are the strongest prompts to attend a social event.
Mr Baird said this provides a useful reminder for friends and family: the easier the invitation, the more likely connection is to happen.
"Make a plan that feels easy to commit to. Keep it close to home and choose a time that works. A low-key catch-up is better than an ambitious plan that never happens," Mr Baird said.
Friends play a central role in feeling well
Close friends are the leading choice for supporting wellbeing, with 45% of Australians saying they turn to close friends when they want to lift their mood, ahead of partners (42%) and family (41%). This is even higher among women (50%).
The survey also shows the role of connection changes across life stages. Among 18 to 24-year-olds, friends dominate as a mood boost (61%), over partners (32%). In middle age, partners, friends and children become more balanced. Among Australians aged over 65, partners (43%), family (42%) and friends (38%) all remain important.
"We know more frequent social contact is associated with better overall health [3], and in particular our mental health," said Mr Baird.
"There is no one right way to connect. For some people, it is a regular walk with a friend. For others, it is a family meal, a community group or a phone call. The best form of connection is the one people can actually keep doing."
Glenn Baird's strategies for better social connection
- Say yes to one small thing. A short walk, coffee or call can be enough.
- Check in properly. Ask how someone is and give them time to answer.
- Make the invitation easy. Choose somewhere close to home, low cost and simple to leave if needed.
- Try a connection habit. Build one regular message, call or catch-up into your week.
- Connect while doing something else. Walk together, cook together, run an errand together or share a meal.
This year, Mental Health Australia has chosen 'Together We Thrive' as the theme for Mental Health Month, recognising the important role connection, belonging and support play in positive mental health outcomes.
