Lost the Art of Hanging Out? Here’s Why You Need to Bring It Back
Spending unstructured time with loved ones can reduce stress, combat loneliness, and deepen relationships. Learn why we need to bring back the lost art of just hanging out.
In an era where social interactions are meticulously planned, often revolving around structured activities, we may be missing out on something profoundly beneficial: unstructured quality time with the people we love. Lauren Mazzo’s latest piece for SELF dives into the importance of simply being with our favorite people—without an agenda, without a schedule, and ideally, without our phones.
Mazzo explores why casual, unplanned time with loved ones has become a rarity and how our hyper-productive culture and constant connectivity have eroded these organic interactions. Drawing insights from psychologists and social scientists, the article highlights the mental health benefits of spontaneous togetherness, including reduced stress, increased creativity, and deeper social connections.
Key Takeaways:
- Less Structure, More Connection: Casual, unplanned social time fosters deeper relationships and reduces stress.
- The Loneliness Epidemic: The decline of spontaneous interactions contributes to feelings of isolation and burnout.
- Quality Over Quantity: It’s not about how many people you see—it’s about meaningful connections with those who make you feel at home.
- Practical Ways to Reconnect: Hide your phone, embrace the awkwardness of unstructured time, and incorporate everyday activities into social bonding.
“Relaxed, spontaneous moments with loved ones can bring a freeing and comforting quality that organized activities simply cannot.” — Dr. Alexandra Stratyner
As the holiday season winds down and we shift into a new year, Mazzo’s article serves as a reminder to slow down, prioritize genuine connection, and revive the lost art of just hanging out.
📖 Read the full article here: SELF
