Good relationships reduce stress and help digestion
We want to belong – it makes us happy
Sat on the tube watching the joy and jubilation of Sunderland fans as they made their way home after beating Sheffield United at Wembley in May’25 was heartwarming. The camaraderie strong, arms slung across a mates shoulders, fans hopped between carriages to give fellow fans a hug. A father and young son spoke animatedly about the win. The bonds that tied them were almost tangible. They belonged to their Sunderland brethren and on this day they could share the great success.
Belonging is strengthened through repeated shared ritual. A reason perhaps why football fans have such strong allegiances. Week after week fans gather to watch their team. Together they share the highs and lows and with this, a sense of belonging grows.
We all have rituals which bring us together; the annual trip with friends, the regular club or coffee. It is interesting that most religious celebrations; Christmas, Diwali, Passover, Eid are about coming together not sitting contemplatively alone. Any number of national celebrations will bring people together rather than scatter them to reclusively celebrate in isolation.
Belonging is a human need
To feel a sense of belonging is a human need, not a nice to have; a need. Maslow places ‘belonging’ on the third wrung of his hierarchy after physiological and safety needs. Like others, I question the hierarchical nature of Maslow’s needs but agree with the basic idea of human needs.
Without a sense of belonging we don’t thrive
Humans have needs which require satisfying beyond food, water and shelter and without them don’t thrive. In fact, not having our needs met can lead to mental and physical health problems. In other words, just having enough to eat and drink and somewhere to shelter safely is not enough. Humans need to feel they belong, humans need intimate relationships and friendships, humans need positive affirmation to establish a sense of self-worth. Without having these needs met ill-health is likely to follow.
Poor social relationships activate stress
Studies* show having poorer social relationships is potentially stressful and activates the biological stress response. Furthermore, having poorer social relationships can lead to a greater level of stress when faced with a stressful situation. In other words, if we don’t have strong social relationships where a sense of belonging is foster we are more likely to feel stressed and cope less well when faced with a stressful event. We need to feel we belong, we need to connect with others and without this human connection, stress, with all its related mental and physical affects, is more likely. We are in essence social beings so if we don’t socialise and bond with others, issues like stress arise.
Stress affects the digestive system
The stress response is our ‘fight or flight’ response. This reaction is designed to help us deal with an immediate danger. It primes our body to be ready to run away from something threatening or be prepared to fight it. When the stress response is triggered the adrenal glands flick into action and hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline are released to mobilise our bodies. Adrenaline causes an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate, as well as a release of glucose into the bloodstream for energy. Cortisol helps to regulate blood sugar levels, suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. Essentially, blood and energy are sent to the parts of the body that most require it for a quick getaway or to fight. In contrast, parts of the body not needed for this response slow down. The body effectively manages its resources. It inhibits the digestive system during stressful events so energy isn’t wasted digesting food when blood and energy are needed in the muscles to run or be ready to fight.
The stress response alters the way the digestive system works. This can lead to constipation as the movement of the small and large intestine slows down during times of stress. Conversely, however, it can also lead to diarrhoea as stress hormones impact the permeability of the large intestine and the absorption of water and electrolytes changes.
Pro-longed stress may affect gut health
The digestive system is affected by stress so prolonged stress will affect our gut health and exacerbate any chronic gut issues like IBS.
So, it follows that if having poor social relationships affects stress levels and stress affects digestion, a person who doesn’t have strong social connections and a strong sense of belonging will be more susceptible to digestive issues or find ongoing gut issues worsen.
Reducing stress through forging social bonds may help address digestive issues
Building social networks, fostering a sense of belonging could help reduce the stress that can lead to digestive issues.
Today’s younger generations (18-24 year olds) are experiencing high levels of stress
There are many studies and data points indicating Gen Z (in particular 18-24 year olds) are feeling more stressed than older generations.
A globalscan** radar trends general public report July – August 2023 found that 35% Genz felt stressed/anxious ‘most’ or ‘all the time’ compared to 29% of Millenials and 25% of GenX.
Stress has many triggers and will be influenced, for 18-24 year olds, by factors such as work stability and financial security but a lack of socialising may well play a part too.
Today’s younger generations socialise less than their parents at an equivalent age
This generation of young adults isn’t socializing (face-to-face) as much as previous generations. We see an increase in solitude and social isolation amongst (18-24).
Perhaps the lack of socialising which could provide opportunities to bond and engender a sense of belonging for this generation is in part affecting their stress levels.
Is it any wonder then that along with high levels of stress amongst the younger generation, there's evidence suggesting an increase in gastrointestinal issues, including conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and potentially even colorectal cancer, among young adults in the UK.
Many factors have had an impact on young people’s face-to-face socialising behaviours - Covid, online gaming and social media to name a few. In the face of rising stress levels and social isolation amongst today’s younger generation, routes into social contact are needed more than ever. Not everyone is going to become a football fan to find a sense of belonging but finding a way to generate real human connections will likely reduce stress and perhaps help digestive issues too.