5-3-1 Rule Offers Structured Approach to Building Social Connections

The 5-3-1 rule is a guideline for social connection created by sociologist Kasley Killam, focusing on regular and intentional interaction to support well-being.

This approach is designed to help individuals maintain meaningful relationships by providing a structure for social engagement. The rule outlines specific targets for connecting with others on a weekly, monthly, and daily basis.

According to the guideline, individuals are encouraged to reach out to five different people or groups each week. In addition, it recommends having three deeper conversations with trusted contacts every month to foster emotional closeness.

The rule also advises aiming for about one hour of social interaction each day, which can be accumulated through multiple shorter exchanges. This daily goal is intended to promote consistent engagement and support overall social health.

What the numbers show

• 5 different people or groups contacted each week
• 3 deeper conversations held monthly
• 1 hour of social interaction targeted daily

Kasley Killam, who is a Canadian sociologist and author, developed the 5-3-1 rule as a research-based reference for evaluating and improving social health. The guideline is described as a flexible approach rather than a strict checklist, allowing individuals to adapt it to their circumstances.

Media sources have reported that the rule is intended to balance everyday interactions with more meaningful connections. It is presented as a mindful way to strengthen social bonds, similar to maintaining physical fitness routines.

The guideline is positioned as a tool to help reduce feelings of loneliness and enhance overall well-being by encouraging steady attention to social life. It serves as a reminder to prioritize both frequent contact and deeper conversations to build and maintain closeness.

Research cited by Upworthy indicates that daily socializing is associated with longer life expectancy, with one study finding that seniors who engaged in daily social interaction tended to live longer. This supports the emphasis on regular connection found in the 5-3-1 rule.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.