A THE TIMES BEST SELF-HELP BOOK OF 2024

A WATERSTONES BEST POPULAR SCIENCE BOOK OF 2024

In the 1960s, scientists from the University of California, Berkeley, attempted to identify the key factors affecting health and longevity. The results of this research, known as the 'Alameda 7,' are already known: do not smoke, drink in moderation, sleep 7-8 hours at night, exercise, eat regularly, maintain a moderate weight, and eat breakfast. However, years later, the same team discovered an eighth factor, which proved to be more important than all the others: social connection.

When we form meaningful bonds with others, our wounds heal faster, we recover from infections more quickly, and our blood pressure decreases. We are less likely to suffer from Alzheimer's, heart attacks, or strokes. When people feel they have strong social support, they perform better on concentration, memory, and problem-solving tests. Greater connection can boost creativity, increase our financial stability, and enhance our professional productivity. But the process of friendship can also be elusive.

In the book "The Laws of Connection," David Robson does two important things: he takes us through the fascinating science behind the effects of social connection and unpacks research showing that we are all better at being social than we might think. We encounter ideas like the 'liking gap' and the 'gratitude gap,' learn to recognize 'frenemies,' and discover a powerful conversation strategy called the 'fast-friends procedure' that promotes instant connection. Socializing does not have to mean having dozens of friends; it can also mean having one real, deep connection with another person. As Robson shows, we can all benefit from the laws of connection.

Pages: 320, Dimensions: 15.5x15.5cm