Social connection has long been essential not only for our survival but also for our happiness. “Social isolation and loneliness are increasingly being recognized as a priority public health problem and policy issue across all age groups,” the World Health Organization notes. People in the world’s five Blue Zone longevity hotspots, for example, prioritize social connection. “Social connection is a fundamental human need, as essential to survival as food, water, and shelter,” explained Murthy. Faith is a big part of life in the Blue Zones, it doesn’t just help with connection, but with stress management, too.