GOSSIPING WITH YOUR NEIGHBOURS IS GOOD FOR YOU!

We all know loneliness is bad for our mental health so we should spend time with friends, but neighbours matter too

Irecently read about a small village in Spain called Algar that has asked for its tradition of gossiping with neighbours in the street to be recognised by the United Nations as a cultural treasure. We all know the importance of connecting with loved ones, but research has also found that people in neighbourhoods with higher levels of social cohesion are less likely to suffer mental health problems. Gossip is often dismissed as negative, but it has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety as well as encourage bonding. Knowing you can happily knock next door to borrow some sugar or ask for help moving furniture creates a sense of belonging. It also makes you feel safer, as neighbours who you get on with are far likelier to look out for unusual goings-on around your home and alert you. In fact, it is believed that humans began gossiping to survive as a way of warning one another about dangers. The more you chat to neighbours, the savvier you become about your area, too, so when you need a reliable builder or hairdresser, you can get recommendations. We aren’t blessed with sunny Spanish weather, but my neighbourhood has a WhatsApp group, so when I’m walking the dog, I can stop to chat to local friends. Create that community online or in real life – for instance, you can invite neighbours to bring a bite to eat and meet at the local park. Knowing people on your street allows for relaxed, unscheduled socialising, which is something we all need.