Canadian organization teaches people to combat loneliness through connection during holiday season.

For some people the holidays are lonely time of year, but a Canadian organization is fostering a “human connection movement” in an effort to bring people together.

Peter Bombaci is the founder of GenWell, an organization that aims to deepen understanding of issues surrounding isolation disconnection and loneliness according to its website.

“It’s something that we’ve not really educated people on but when we look at what the negative complications are from chronic or persistent loneliness it can increase heart disease, early on-set dementia, diabetes, suicide, addiction, obesity, cancer, so many things because it creates inflammation in the body,” Bombaci said.

Bombaci started GenWell eight years ago because he believes in the power of human connection to heal many physical and mental illnesses. He said the research shows that human connection is the single greatest contributor to your happiness, according to an 85-year study at Harvard.

“It reduces your anxiety and depression, increases empathy, compassion and resilience at a time when we feel more disconnected from people than ever before,” Bombaci said. “Strengthens your immune system strengthens your self-confidence.”

Bombaci said there are simple ways to foster connections that can be the starting point for deeper interactions and devices often associated with greater isolation can be put to good use.

“Digital technology – phone calls are a great supplement until we can get back to the face-to-face interactions that make us happier and healthier,” Bombaci said. “Every little step that we can take towards a closer interaction with something, somebody has a really positive experience for us.”

Bombaci said there is a secret well of connection and happiness that we can all tap into.

“We’ve told people for over 50 years that we shouldn’t talk to strangers,” Bombaci said. “Canadia research, led by GenWell as part of the Canadian social connections survey shows that those who talk to strangers just once a week are up to three times happier than those that don’t talk to strangers.”

Bombaci said that supporting research from the U.S. and the U.K. shows that both parties are left happier when strangers interact. He said not everybody responds when you reach out, but we shouldn’t be discouraged.

“Don’t take those neutral interactions as a negative,” Bombaci said. “It’s not about you. It’s just people are busy and caught up in their day.”

Bombaci said people should visit GenWell’s website for more information.

“Together we can make the world a happier place one face-to-face conversation at a time.