Loneliness and isolation contribute to various mental health conditions, but day-to-day community interactions can significantly improve our wellbeing. Research from Blue Zones—regions with high numbers of healthy centenarians—shows social connectedness is a primary driver for living a long, happy life.

• Belonging to a community decreases loneliness, lowers stress, and provides crucial support during challenging times
• Contributing to community activities fosters purpose, empathy, and enhances overall wellbeing
• Blue Zones demonstrate the power of social connectedness for living to 100+ with good health
• Practical strategies for connecting include reaching out to friends and family
• Joining local clubs, business networking groups, or volunteering for causes you care about
• Becoming a regular at local establishments helps build recognition and small conversations
• Taking classes, using online resources to find offline communities, and joining peer support groups
• Seeking help from a mental health professional if engaging with a community feels challenging or overwhelming
• Laughter is a powerful connector when spending time with like-minded individuals
• Finding communities that match your interests creates meaning and fosters a sense of belonging

Remember, you matter. Be kind to yourself and be kind to those around you.

For more info head to: www.thelaughterclinic.com.au

"If you or someone you know needs support, please contact one of these Australian mental health services. In an emergency, always call 000."

Lifeline Australia
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Web: lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service
Phone: 1300 659 467 (24/7)
Web: suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Beyond Blue
Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
Web: beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline (for people aged 5-25)
Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
Web: kidshelpline.com.au

MensLine Australia
Phone: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)
Web: mensline.org.au

SANE Australia (complex mental health issues)
Phone: 1800 18 7263 (10am-10pm AEST, Mon-Fri)
Web: sane.org

QLife (LGBTIQ+ support)
Phone: 1800 184 527 (3pm-midnight AEST)
Web: qlife.org.au

Open Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling)
Phone: 1800 011 046 (24/7)
Web: openarms.gov.au

1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic violence)
Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)
Web: 1800respect.org.au

Headspace (youth mental health, ages 12-25)
Phone: 1800 650 890 (9am-1am AEST)
Web: headspace.org.au

13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support)
Phone: 13 92 76 (13YARN) (24/7)
Web: 13yarn.org.au

Music produced by Hayden Smith
https://www.haydensmith.com/