Are we still homebodies since the pandemic, or are we finally back to normal?
A recent study looked at our behaviors from 2003 through 2024 and found a steady decrease in our social interactions and travel plans for both work and pleasure. The pandemic didn’t start this trend, but it certainly sped it up. While some of us have returned to going out more, we’re still more than 50 percent less socially connected than we were in 2019. So if “normal” means spending more time outside the house, we’re not quite there yet.
What’s the risk of staying home more often?
The study identified isolation and a lack of meaningful connections as major risks, both of which are early indicators of shorter lifespans. We also know that Americans’ average body weight has been rising steadily over the past 60 years. When you put these trends together, you see increased risks of anxiety, depression, fatigue, and chronic stress. There’s also a higher chance of turning to unhealthy coping behaviors like substance use, gambling, or overspending.
What can we do about it?
We can make small changes at every level to protect our health and well-being.
- On a personal level: Build a buddy system. Make it a habit to walk together, talk regularly, and share meals. If you’re no longer commuting, consider using some of those saved funds to invest in self-care, time with family, or saving for future goals.
- At the community level: Join or start something social near you. Book clubs, workout groups, garden clubs, or spiritual study groups are great ways to feel more connected.
- At the organizational level: Think bigger. Empty office buildings could be repurposed into living spaces with shared social areas that help residents build real community.
Your Next Step
Just as you’d visit a doctor for physical concerns, reaching out to a therapist is a powerful way to care for your emotional well-being. Marriage and family therapists are trained to help systems thrive; whether that’s your relationship, your family, your friendships, or your community. If you’ve been feeling disconnected or overwhelmed, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Contact us at Maison Vie to take the first step toward feeling more supported, more connected, and more at ease.
For additional expert insights, watch Susan Harrington as she discusses how post-pandemic are reshaping our social lives, and what it means for our mental and emotional well-being on WWL-TV.
