YOUR SCHEDULE AUDIT

Setting aside time for nutritious interactions is a key component of good social health. Here’s how to get intentional

1 DESIGN

Planning is essential, especially if the nine-to-five is feeling longer by the day. ‘People who work long hours or commute further often have less time to interact for pleasure,’ says Professor Hall. ‘So think about who you’d like to be in touch with, then diarise a phone call or (restrictions allowing) lunch date with them.’

2 COMMIT

Need help holding yourself accountable? Much like booking your next dental appointment immediately after your last, Professor Hall suggests you end a phone call by arranging the next one and putting it in your calendar. ‘Make sure it’s something you have to look forward to,’ he says.

3 ALLOW

As chock-a-block as your diary may be, leaving space for spontaneity is a social nutrition essential. ‘As well as your planning and intentionality, good social health is really about saying yes,’ says Professor Hall. Meaning, don’t let ‘I’m too busy’ get in the way of a good time.