You’ve nailed the career, the fitness routine is on point, and you’ve even dabbled in self-care with a therapist or coach. Boxes ticked. But here’s the real question: when was the last time you invested in your social health?

Because let’s be honest, success without meaningful connection? That’s hollow.

If you’re so busy climbing the ladder that you’ve let your relationships gather dust—you’re missing the point entirely. We weren’t designed to do life solo, no matter how ‘independent’ we think we are.

Social health is more than just another buzzword; it’s the third pillar of well-being that most high-achievers completely overlook. And, spoiler alert—it’s the one that could make all the difference between merely surviving and actually thriving.

Time to Reframe What Connection Really Means

We’ve all heard about the “loneliness epidemic” on repeat. Yes, it’s important, but let’s be real—that’s not the whole story. Let’s shift the focus. What can social health do for you, your leadership, and the impact you want to make in the world?

Think of your health like a temple, supported by three pillars: physical, mental, and social. We’re all in on the first two—exercise, sleep, therapy, meditation. But too many of us let the social pillar crumble, like we can just keep going without it. Newsflash: we can’t. Just like in those ancient temples, when one pillar weakens, the entire structure starts to falter.  Your social health is what keeps the whole thing standing. Neglect it, and you’ll feel the cracks.

What Does Social Health Actually Look Like for High Performers?

Let’s clear something up—social health isn’t about racking up LinkedIn connections or showing face at networking events. It’s about real, meaningful relationships that feed your soul, not drain your energy. Whether you’re building an empire, hopping cities as an expat, or leading global teams, your connections need to nourish you. Full stop.

Simone Heng’s work on human connection nails it—Relationships aren’t just a ‘nice-to-have’ ; they’re essential.

The data is there: people with strong social health live longer, bounce back faster from challenges, and—yes—perform better in every area of their lives.

So if you’ve been treating your relationships like optional extras, it’s time for a mindset shift.

The Social Health Strategy: Be Proactive, Not Reactive

You wouldn’t wait for a health scare to start exercising, so why are you waiting until you feel completely isolated to start prioritising your connections? Social health isn’t about slapping a Band-Aid on loneliness; it’s about building strong relationships before disconnection creeps in.

And here’s the mistake most people make: they treat relationships like another task on their already overflowing to-do list. Social health doesn’t work that way. It’s about being intentional. Nurture the relationships that fuel you, and pull back on the ones that drain you.

Let’s be real—who in your life truly matters? Who challenges you, supports you, and makes you laugh when the world feels heavy? These are the people worth investing in, not the endless, shallow interactions that leave you feeling more alone than before.

How to Strengthen Your Social Health (Even When You’re Busy)

Here’s how to fit it in, even when your calendar’s packed:

• Be Intentional with Your Time: Set aside time to connect with the people who actually matter. Not because you should, but because it genuinely improves your life.

• Diversify Your Circles: Don’t limit your connections to just the professional sphere. Find relationships that fuel different parts of you—whether it’s an old friend, a mentor, or someone who shares your love for life’s weird quirks.

• Engage Fully: When you’re with someone, be with them. Sounds simple, but in a world of constant distraction, giving someone your undivided attention is a rare and powerful thing.

• Expand Beyond Work: Life isn’t just about the next business deal or career milestone. Get involved in hobbies, join communities, or say yes to something outside your usual circle. You’ll be surprised by how much these connections can enrich your life.

Justine Campbell is a licensed clinical therapist turned solutions-focused coach for entrepreneurs, expats & global players who seek more impact, joy, and alignment in their lives. She has lived in 8 countries over 3 decades and is passionate about the power of human connection to support growth (and safety) in uncertainty.