Hosting is Good for You

“Never miss a party…good for the nerves–like celery.” –  F. Scott Fitzgerald

Hosting a party takes an enormous amount of work. There is planning to be done, shopping for supplies, set up, and then hosting the actual event. Comically, this is followed by another activity of clean up. It can be a daunting task, but one worth the effort.

Hosting comes with a plethora of benefits. Humans are social creatures and a fulfilling life involves quality relationships. Depressingly, 58% of adults are considered lonely¹. Avoid this by hosting gatherings. Being social boosts the immune system – extraverts are less likely to get sick from a cold than introverts². Additionally, hosting helps teach you how to handle stress in a positive way by acknowledging stress response as a protective system that energizes and compels you to go into reactionary mode (i.e. crazy cleaning mode)³. Socializing also lowers the likelihood of mild cognitive Impairment that can lead to dementia by 55%⁴.

Hosting can take on many forms, everything from happy hours to full on dinner parties. Guest lists can range from the hundreds, or a subset of your social-group, or just a few close friends. The take away is there are options for those who shudder at the idea of hosting a large party. Do not be deceived – any form of hosting still requires planning and execution. Paint this in a positive light, as motivation to do a deep clean or finally cook that recipe you’ve been meaning to try.

The goal of invitations is to have people look forward to coming. Find the joy in providing people a safe space to gather. While hosting, be prepared for micro interactions as your first goal is ensuring food, drinks, and activities are well stocked. Create micro moments during your party to engage with each of your guests. Remember to pause and take a moment to observe your guests enjoying themselves. The good time is thanks to you.

Action: Host a happy hour or party (dinner or otherwise).

Hint: Upgrade your party by making it a no phone party. Be sure to warn your guests and plan activities⁵.

Further Reading:

1. The Loneliness Epidemic Persists: A Post-Pandemic Look at the State of Loneliness among U.S. Adults
2. Some further studies on the prediction of experimental colds in volunteers by psychological factors
3. How to make stress your friend
4. Risk and protective factors for cognitive impairment in persons aged 85 years and older
5. Amazing No-Cellphone Party Ideas