Right now, most of us are feeling stress and anxiety. On top of everything else in our lives, the political chaos seems too much to bear. A 2024 survey from the American Psychological Association found that over 70% of adults consider the country’s future a significant source of stress — and even though we’re only four months into 2025, if our group chats are any indication, we’re struggling now more than ever.At the same time, there’s an epidemic of loneliness. Former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an official advisory about loneliness in 2023… turns out, it’s not just bad for our mood, it’s bad for our physical health too. People who are disconnected and lonely are twice as likely to die as people who have strong communities.The good news is, community connection can help with both of these problems! Not only do social bonds make us healthier and happier, political action is far more effective when done as a group. We all have different strengths and perspectives, and our friends can fill in the gaps when we need a break. In these chaotic and stressful times, community is more important than ever. It isn’t just good for our hearts and minds, it’s good for democracy. When women with shared values get together, there’s no stopping us.For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSA Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA