Hello Maavee Community!

It turns out that we are more lonely than ever as a society, so it will be no surprise that we’re leaning into social well-being this month. Most of the human race is on some form of social media (we exult in you who manage it well), yet we are lonely even with our growing number of “connections” and “friends.” Equally ironic is that there is a disproportionate amount of loneliness in big cities. The reality is that connections-at-scale are missing the intimacy factor that we need as humans. At Maavee, we want Social Wellness Month to be a catalyst to reach out, connect, and nurture healthy relationships — both personal and professional. Social well-being does not mean going out every night with crowds of people. (As an introvert, I can tell you that would not work for me. No offense, extroverts, I encourage you to do your thing your way!) Loneliness is real, it’s a problem, it’s growing, and there are solutions. So, put down those phones, tablets, and computers, and go look into the warm brown eyes of a friend (blue, green, and hazel also qualify!). Be literally seen this month. 👀

P.S. This newsletter was written by humans! 👤

🍜 Noodle on this…

🎶 Loneliness through lyrics!

Let’s go on a muscial journey together and explore the impacts of loneliness and the benefits of connections in this thing we call life. Listen and read on…

One of the worst things about the pandemic was also one of the best things about the pandemic: it got us in touch with what it feels like to be lonely. I say the worst because loneliness is scary and intense, and we don’t have ways to process it in the most healthy way. And, I say the best because it DID make us hyperaware of our desire to connect — for years, we pushed down those feelings of isolation, which are actually natural, and not shameful. Everyone experiences loneliness. As we all know, it’s not about being alone: you can be surrounded by family and friends and still feel lonely. Social media has become monstrous, but at its base is something so primal: our need to connect, to know what’s happening in the lives of people we love, the desire to share the joyful times. But perhaps this month, we can all step away from social media and make some phone calls, Zoom calls, house visits — just find some real, one-on-one human-time to catch up and reconnect. Remember that you might not be the one who needs it…you may be helping someone feel a little less alone. Also, consensual hugs are also always encouraged! 🤗

Our thoughts on loneliness are supported by that little thing called…science!  Surgeon General Vivek Murthy released a report last May describing the loneliness epidemic, comparing its severity to tobacco use. He warned that people are spending more time online and less time socializing in-person. Research found that loneliness creates an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, and those without much social interaction have a 39% higher risk of premature death, as report by NBC news. We are not trying to scare you into making an effort to connect. Consider it a gentle nudge. At the end of the day, it’s just healthy and in our nature.

At Maavee, we very much admire Dr. Wendy Suzuki, a Professor of Neural Science and Psychology at New York University and the bestselling author of books such as, Good Anxiety and Healthy Brain, Happy Life. Jump in the Maavee app to watch a recent podcast with Dr. Wendy and catch a glimps of the human brain (no really, she pulls out an actual 🧠 on the show 😱), not to mention you can purchase her books. One incredibly fascinating point she makes is that loneliness actually shrinks the brain. She shares insights about how important it is to reach out and touch others, which affects our squishy, yet powerful brains.

And with that, The Beatles help us to put a bow on this musical journey with a simple line for the centuries, “I get by with a little help from my friends.” Happy Social Wellness Month, Maavee community!

🙌 It’s on!

Everyone loves a good holiday (read: a day off that we actually take)! So, hit that Independence Day celebration — whether it be a backyard BBQ, a picnic with a friend, fireworks with the gang, or whatever way you want to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy in America. We also condone crashing a party or two if you weren’t invited to one! 🥳 And if you are the one throwing the party, check out the hosting tips from Farmer Nick below.

Speaking of parties, the Cannes Film Festival happened last month and, as always, it was an event of epic proportions. Now what? Well, if your’re into film and TV even slightly, you know what happens next. The Netflix algorithm recommends something and you immediately think, “Netflix, you don’t know me!” Yet without giving it another thought, you just binge-watched some random series for a weekend. Fast forward two weeks and someone asks you what you’ve been watching. This very question is an opportunity for social connection (take it!), but we often forget what we just watched and certainly what we thought about it. Enter the awesome recdek app, founded by our good friend, Ed Rigg, on the other side of the pond. It replaces that algorithm with human beings you know and like — your own inner circle. Recdek is, without hyperbole, one of the most fun apps out there because it helps you create community and share recommendations and thoughts on what you’ve been streaming. Plus it alerts you to what your friends are watching along with their opinions. So, get your inner cinephile on, build your entertainment team, and engage in a spirited convo or two. A few quick invites, swipes and likes, and you’re on your way to building community through the world of film and television. This is a loneliness killer and we love it!

📢 Let’s grow the Maavee community!

We would appreciate your help getting the word out so we can foster a well-being movement. If you share this newsletter, you will earn $2 for each new subscriber. Plus all new community members will receive $20 to spend in the Maavee app! (*Terms apply.)

💬 Ask Viti…

✋ Meet Kin Euphorics and The Skin Deep

How about game night reimagined with interactive and super fun question cards to open conversation and deepen connections? The Skin Deep offers an incredible array of card sets to get to know friends, family, partners, colleagues, dates, and even yourself. Start a conversation, let those feelings flow, and get your intimacy on! Plus, the team at The Skin Deep donates to charities based game themes. For example, 100% of the profits from the sales of their On Racism edition are donated to charities focused on, you guessed it, racism. This company really is that cool!

👀 In the know…

📳 Maavee app highlights…

There are so many ways to save big (i.e., support your financial well-being) with the Maavee Perks Savings Program. If you are planning a trip this summer, make sure you check out the travel and experience offers before you book. And, if you want to give someone else access to Maavee with money to spend on their well-being, Maavee makes a great gift for birthdays, special occasions, or just because. (Bye-bye gift cards and returned presents!)

👋 We love to help, so please do not hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] for any reason!