For decades, psychologists have been saying the same thing: our relationships are the strongest predictor of long-term happiness. A landmark 75-year study from Harvard found that people with strong social ties were not only happier – they lived longer, had better health, and experienced less stress. In other words, brunch with a friend may actually be doing more for your heart than your gym membership.
Social connections:
- Lower cortisol (your stress hormone)
- Reduce anxiety and depression
- Boost your immune system
- Increase your sense of meaning and belonging
- Improve cognitive function and memory
Humans aren’t hardwired for isolation – we’re built for shared moments, conversations, laughter, and presence. And yet, most adults see their closest friends far less than they intend to. Why? Because life gets busy. Because we assume “sometime soon” will magically appear on the calendar. It never does. Novel Experiences Literally Make Your Brain Happier. When you try something new – even something tiny – your brain lights up.
Neuroscientists call it dopamine novelty activation, and it:
- Improves mood
- Builds motivation
- Increases resilience
- Expands creativity
- Strengthens relationships when shared
Doing new things with someone isn’t just fun – it deepens your connection with them. Shared novelty acts as a bonding accelerant. Couples, families, and friends who experience new activities together report higher closeness, better communication, and stronger trust.
This is why a simple “let’s try that new climbing gym” can do more for a relationship than a dozen routine dinners. Time Isn’t Something You Find – It’s Something You Make.
One of the most common regrets expressed later in life is wishing they had:
- Spent more time with loved ones
- Travelled or explored more
- Taken advantage of their health while they had it
- Made more memories instead of accumulating “stuff”
People rarely regret going out for an experience. But they often regret missing one. In psychology, this is called “anticipated regret avoidance.” Put simply: our future selves are happiest when we choose moments over convenience. January is the perfect month to start making these choices intentionally.
Why Experiences Matter More Than Things
Studies from Cornell University show that people get far more happiness from experiences than from possessions. Why?
Because:
- Experiences grow in value over time
- They strengthen relationships
- They become stories
- They create identity
- They can’t be compared or replaced
- They break your routine in energizing ways
A new purchase feels exciting for a week. A shared experience becomes a memory you talk about for years.
So Why Does Getting Out Matter?
Because every time you decide to get out of the house…
to say yes to something new…
to put your phone down and spend real time with someone…
You’re investing in:
- Your mental health
- Your long-term happiness
- Your closest relationships
- Your identity
- Your year ahead
You’re crafting the moments 2026 will be made of. Make 2026 the Year You Don’t Let Time Slip Away. It doesn’t have to be dramatic. You don’t need a retreat in Bali or a monthly life overhaul.
You just need:
- a few hours
- a handful of meaningful connections
- and something a little outside your normal routine
