Our lives are overwhelmed by constant stress. We’ve come to accept this as normal. Between being constantly connected online, treating work as life’s sole purpose, and endless worrying, stress has become unavoidable—and ever-present.

Of course, there are ways to manage it. Meditation, nature walks, breathing exercises, movement, therapy, and journaling all help reduce anxiety and bring calm. But there are also simpler, quicker tools that work just as well.

This was the message from longevity expert Dan Buettner on the High Net Purpose podcast. He explained that while many stress-relief methods exist, we often drop them when life gets busy. Fortunately, small daily habits can be just as powerful.

### A Simple Trick to Lower Stress

Buettner says one of the best ways to reduce stress—and cortisol—is simply talking to others. It doesn’t matter who: a friend, neighbor, coworker, family member, or even the barista at your coffee shop.

“Conversations with other people are incredibly soothing,” he says. “Casual interactions make a big difference. The environment we live in and the people we connect with play a huge role.”

This aligns with advice from workplace psychologists: if you’re stressed at work, taking a moment to chat with a colleague can help. The conversation doesn’t need to be deep—even small talk works. Just making eye contact and briefly engaging with someone can break the cycle of anxious thoughts that spike cortisol.

### Social Connections = Longer, Happier Life

Buettner’s research on Blue Zones—regions where people live exceptionally long lives—reveals that strong social and family bonds are key. Having a support network doesn’t just boost longevity; it also lowers stress in the moment. Think about how much lighter you feel after a good talk with a friend.

“People in Blue Zones laugh, connect, and talk regularly,” says Dr. Denis Lamboley, an integrative medicine specialist. “They enjoy sweeter lives, better health, and remarkable longevity.” He cites a Harvard study dating back to 1938, which found that more social interactions lead to longer, happier lives. Another study of over 300,000 people showed that those with fewer social ties were twice as likely to die early.

So go ahead—strike up a conversation with the barista, greet strangers on the street, and make new friends wherever you can. It’s the easiest way to boost your happiness and health.