Welcome back to Redefining Us! In today's episode, we’re diving deep into the heart of human connection with our guest, Dayna Sammartino, a licensed professional counselor practicing in both Colorado and Ohio.

Dayna brings her expertise and passion for the topic of connection, exploring why it's essential for our well-being and how it impacts our mental health. With a rich background in counseling, she’s seen firsthand how loneliness and a lack of meaningful relationships can affect people, particularly as they age or go through life changes.

In this engaging conversation, Dayna discusses:

• The decline in close friendships and the reasons behind it.

• The concept of "perceived loneliness" and how it differs from actual isolation.

• Cognitive distortions that can contribute to feelings of loneliness and social anxiety.

• Practical tips for fostering and maintaining connections, including social experiments and mindful communication.

We also touch on the surprising statistics about loneliness among different demographics, including young women during the pandemic, and discuss strategies for breaking free from routine to create meaningful connections.

Whether you're struggling with feelings of loneliness, looking to enhance your relationships, or just curious about the science behind social connections, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice. Join us for a thoughtful conversation on how to redefine and deepen our connections with others.

Episode Highlights:

• Dayna shared different interventions people can use to help ease loneliness

• Dayna shared how prevalent and common feeling disconnected from others in todays society

• Dayna shared the long term impacts of not having healthy connections with others can impact your physical health

• Dayna runs groups at WellMinded Counseling to help bridge the gap for adults that struggle with connection and mental health

Guest links:

Where to find more from Dayna Sammartino, LPC:

Website: wellmindedcounseling.com/dayna-specailities

Facebook: www.facebook.com/wellmindedcounseling

Email: dayna@wellmindedcounseling.com