Social: Post #4--Social Thinking

Social Thinking: Being what the author calls a “mindreader” (mentalizing) allows us to think about what others are thinking. Social thinking switches us from information consumers to info sharers, or what the author calls “Information DJs,” spreading the word.  Social pain keeps us close to others for support, and mindreading keeps us living/working well with others. Our big mistake: Not appreciating the value of our social thinking power—getting more social is the secret to being more productive and happier.

Social: Post #3--Social Pain

Social Pain: As mammal infants, when babies are separated from parents (especially their mothers) and need things, they cry. That cry stimulates mothers’ social brains to care for them and meet their needs. When we hear of someone with a “broken heart,” it turns out that the pain they experience is real. Being left out of a game as a kid, bullied, or snubbed as an adult leads to social pain. Moreover, social pain and physical pain register in the exact same part of the brain. In fact, Tylenol (acetaminophen) can reduce significant social or physical pain. One study showed that 1,000 mg a day can ease social pain in just 9 days.

Social: Post #2--Social Connection

Social Connection: We all need people to love, respect and care about us—both  at home and at work. As mammals we’re all born immature, requiring food and care from our family—primarily our mothers. This social bond starts out as a survival need and becomes a psychological need even as adults. In short, we need other people to help us be happy, successful, and thriving. As the author says, “You can’t build a rocket ship on your own.” In fact, we need people all day, every day, to reach our potential.