Do You Have 8 Minutes?

• 💡 Wisdom

• ✏️ Illustration

• 💬 Saying

• 🧭 Explanation

• 📝 Reflection

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes, 57 seconds

8 minutes of real connection can show someone that they are not alone.

Any time spent to brighten someone's day is time well spent.

Give 8 minutes to a loved one today.

Here’s today’s Wisdom Made Easy visual:

A 2021 study found that short telephone calls could reduce loneliness, depression and anxiety whilst improving general mental health.

A mere phone call costs you almost nothing, but the person on the other end of the line appreciates it more than anything that money can buy.

The idea for this newsletter came from a quote from Simon Sinek:

A deep conversation isn’t always necessary - presence is powerful on its own.

Taking the time to truly be present for someone goes a long way. It communicates how valued they are by you and shows them that they are not alone.

Loneliness is one of the greatest threats of our generation.

Despite the modern world being more connected than ever before, many people still feel isolated and lonely.

But there’s good news!

Meaningful human connection doesn’t require hours - it takes just 8 minutes of genuine presence.

Simon Sinek and a 2023 NY Times article by Jancee Dunn highlights this principle as a simple yet powerful way to combat loneliness.

Here’s how you can practice the 8-minute principle today:

1. Be fully present: Put away your phone, make eye contact, and engage in the conversation with intention.

   If you can’t be there in person, call your friend and get rid of all other distractions. No tablet or TV on in front of you whilst listening and talking to them.

2. Listen without fixing: Sometimes, people just need to be heard.

   In these instances, resist the urge to offer solutions, and instead acknowledge their emotions.

3. Reach out unexpectedly: A spontaneous check-in can mean the world to someone who wasn’t expecting it.

   Let someone know that you care by just calling them out of the blue.

It’s not about a 2-hour long conversation every 6 months during which you would likely get side-tracked and distracted.

Instead, simply spend 8 minutes of undivided attention on a regular basis.

Think about the last time someone gave you truly undivided attention for as little as 10 minutes. How did that make you feel? Less lonely? Valued?

And picture yourself on the other side of the equation: what a privilege it is to be the type of friend someone reaches out to in their time of need.

It’s important to note that regular 8 minute check-ins with friends and loved ones does not replace therapy and other professional help if someone is going through depression, though it can be a wonderful complement to someone’s mental health journey.

Who could you give 8 minutes to today? Complete today’s Reflection to identify who you could make time for below.

Here are 3 journal prompts to help you explore today’s wisdom:

• When was the last time someone’s presence made me feel less lonely?

• Who in my life might be feeling isolated and could benefit from a call today?

• How can I make quality connections a more regular part of my daily interactions?

Want to learn more about journaling? Join Journal Wiser today!

To hear more about today’s nugget of wisdom, dig deeper with this video.

Simon Sinek has a meaningful discussion with chef Christina Tosi about what it takes to be a dependable friend.

They share thought-provoking insights, just like this 8-minute tip, to ensure you fill your potential as a friend.

Watch the discussion in full here:

If you have any feedback on the WISER Newsletter, I would love to hear it! Simply reply to this email, and I will get back to you. Alternatively, just DM me on social media.

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Catch you in the next issue!

Thanks,
Michael