The Power of Reconnecting: How Social Connection Benefits Moms in their 40s

We're Going to Mars!

Is it just me or is it hard to make new friends or maintain friendships as a mom to young kids when you're in your 40s?

I met up with an old friend from high school and college for a playdate with our kids today.  It was so refreshing to talk to someone who knows a younger version of myself and the person I was before this stage of life. It feels like we're in the same boat - mom of a 4 year old, in her 40s, in a healthcare profession, juggling work life with being a caregiver to your kids and/or aging parents. She definitely "gets it". I really love this stage of my life with my husband and young children. My day-to-day life with young kids is playful and silly and it makes it hard to take myself too seriously. I also miss the ease of friendships before kids.

In the background as I write this, I hear pitter patter of running feet, "Eek, he's coming" and "Where is my sword?", coming from small voices upstairs. It's bedtime and my husband is holding down the fort, playing with the kids, encouraging their imagination. The blankets are waves and our bed is a ship, where "Captain Baby" navigates rough waters. "Attack! Ahhh! Hahahaha."

Back to my reconnection with an old friend. This visit was a long time coming. We both had our first babies in 2020 (ohh the loneliness of being a new mom during the pandemic) and our boys were born within 6 months of each other. We met up at an indoor play place with our now 4 year olds and one little sister. It was perfect for the kids - let them run around and explore, scan the room to make sure no one's getting ahead of themselves (cue my 2 year old climbing a ladder and turning half way up "I need a little help!"), as we talk and catch up. Enough to get the jist. Not all the gritty details of almost 20 years of water under the bridge, but enough to know and remember that connecting with old friends is uplifting, reaffirming, like opening a door to a past life and good memories. I also learned that were both working on and interested in improving our healthy habits.

"I have my jammies on. Mama, I got my jammies on. I got my jammies on." The singsong voice is making its way downstairs. Til next time.

In the meantime, here are 5 benefits of social connection for moms in their 40s:

1. Boosts Mental Health: Social ties provide emotional support, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Connecting with friends or joining groups allows moms to share experiences and feel understood, building emotional resilience.

   
   

2. Improves Heart Health: Regular social engagement can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. Positive interactions help lower stress hormones, which can promote overall cardiovascular health.

   
   

3. Enhances Cognitive Function: Staying socially active helps maintain mental sharpness and lowers the risk of cognitive decline. Social activities stimulate the brain and can improve memory and focus, which is beneficial for moms managing busy, multitasking lives.

   
   

4. Reduces Isolation: Social connections combat loneliness, which can impact overall health and immune function. Feeling connected to a supportive network can foster a sense of belonging and reduce chronic stress.

   
   

5. Supports Healthy Habits: Being part of a community encourages better lifestyle choices like regular exercise and self-care. When surrounded by others prioritizing health, moms are more likely to maintain these positive habits and stay motivated.

   
   

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