Whole-Person Wellbeing: The Key to Happiness is Social Fitness
What does it take to lead a happy and fulfilled life? For decades, this question has intrigued researchers, philosophers, and everyday people alike. A landmark study, launched by Harvard University in 1938 and spanning 85 years, has provided a striking answer: happiness is deeply rooted in the quality of our social relationships. While money, career success, a healthy diet, and exercise are important, it’s the connections we build with others—the friendships and communities that nourish us—that form the cornerstone of a happy life.
Yet as a nation, we are losing ground in this vital area. Social well-being, the foundation of our collective happiness, is under threat. Places that once fostered connection are closing at an alarming rate. Nightclubs, pubs, libraries, theatres, and even churches—once thriving hubs of social interaction—are disappearing, leaving a void that digital platforms and online shopping simply cannot fill.
The Social Glue is Coming Unstuck
Consider this: in 2024 alone, more than 13,000 high street stores and 11,000 independent shops closed in the UK. Pubs, long cherished as places to catch up with friends or make new ones, are vanishing. In the first three months of 2024, 239 pubs in England and Wales shut their doors—a staggering 56% rise from the previous year. Nightclubs are also in steep decline, with 480 closing between 2020 and mid-2024.
Even spaces that are free to access, like public libraries and churches, are struggling. Over 3,500 churches have closed in the past decade, with hundreds more at risk. Libraries, vital community hubs, have faced significant cuts, with over 180 closures since 2016. This erosion of communal spaces is troubling.
These places weren’t just about books, sermons, or drinks; they were about connection. They provided environments where people could bond, share, and belong—a key driver of happiness. Without them, we risk a society where social isolation becomes the norm.
Rekindling Social Well-being
At the Academy of Life Planning, we believe whole-person well-being requires attention to four key areas: physical, mental, emotional (or social), and spiritual fitness. While much focus is placed on the physical and mental aspects, emotional and spiritual fitness are equally essential. Social well-being, in particular, is the glue that holds these together.
Without regular, meaningful social interactions, our happiness diminishes. Aristotle, 2,000 years ago, understood this truth when he said: “Man is by nature a social animal.” It’s part of our DNA to connect, to share, to belong. Yet today, many of us are finding fewer opportunities to do so.
Start with Kokoro
We’ve created the Kokoro Quiz—a free, five-minute tool to help you understand your total well-being. Kokoro is a Japanese concept that embodies heart, spirit, mind, and self. It’s about aligning your emotional, intellectual, and spiritual well-being with your life’s goals, helping you achieve balance in every area of your life.
By taking the quiz, you’ll gain insights into how socially connected you are and where you might need to focus more attention. It’s a simple step toward understanding your current state of well-being and how to improve it.
Why Social Fitness Matters
Social fitness isn’t just about going to the pub or attending a church service. It’s about finding spaces—physical or virtual—where you can form genuine connections. It’s about being seen, heard, and valued. These interactions give us joy, purpose, and a sense of belonging.
So, let’s start reclaiming our social well-being. Visit that local bookshop, attend a community event, or simply make time to meet a friend for a coffee. Small, consistent efforts can lead to profound changes in your happiness and health.
A Call to Action
The decline in social spaces is a wake-up call for all of us. But there’s hope. By prioritising social fitness, we can rebuild our connections and rediscover the joy of community. Take a moment today to notice where you stand in your well-being journey. Try our Kokoro Quiz, and begin making changes that align with your whole self.
Because the key to happiness isn’t found in a bank balance or a six-pack; it’s in the friendships we nurture and the communities we create. Let’s make a concerted effort to reclaim what truly makes us human: connection.
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2wSteve Conley Gallup research points out that if you want to improve your financial wellbeing, it's crucial to first ensure that your Career wellbeing and Social wellbeing are thriving. A strong foundation in these areas provides the stability, purpose and support system necessary to make effective financial decisions and achieve long-term security.
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2wI love the idea of “social fitness” and how it’s as essential as physical or mental well-being. Aristotle’s insight still rings true-humans are deeply social beings, and nurturing those connections is critical to a fulfilled life. The Kokoro Quiz is a brilliant tool to help people take stock of their well-being. Here’s a thought: how can communities or local leaders revive some of these vanishing social spaces to keep the spirit of connection alive? Would love to hear more about initiatives you’ve seen making an impact!