Coliving is a modern housing option that combines private rooms with shared spaces, designed to improve mental health and create a sense of community. Here’s how coliving supports mental well-being:
- Less Loneliness: Shared spaces and activities help reduce isolation and build connections.
- Built-in Support System: Residents naturally form supportive relationships, easing feelings of loneliness and stress.
- Lower Money Stress: All-inclusive pricing simplifies finances, reducing housing-related anxiety.
- Better Daily Balance: Designated work, social, and relaxation areas promote a balanced lifestyle.
- Group Health Activities: Wellness programs like yoga, meditation, and shared meals encourage healthier habits.
Whether you're a student, remote worker, or young professional, coliving offers an affordable, community-focused way to improve your mental health and overall well-being.
1. Less Loneliness Through Community
Living alone can take a toll on mental health - during lockdown, nearly 24% of people reported feeling lonely.
Coliving spaces are designed to encourage interaction through shared areas like kitchens, lounges, and rooftops. These spaces strike a balance between privacy and community, making them suitable for both extroverts and introverts. The setup naturally encourages connections without forcing them.
Alan O'Hashi from the Cohousing Association of the United States explains:
"We're trying to undo the American way of rugged individualism that can lead to a lot of alienation and isolation."
This shift is especially helpful for newcomers or those going through life transitions.
Here’s how community livin impacts different groups:
| Group | Benefits of Community Living |
|---|---|
| Students | Lower isolation rates compared to those living alone |
| Seniors | 71% see retirement communities as a way to make new friends |
| Young Professionals | Report higher levels of social support and connection |
Modern coliving spaces offer a range of social options. From casual shared workspaces to organized events, they allow residents to connect on their own terms. Activities like workshops, cultural exchanges, and group outings help build meaningful relationships. Platforms such as Coliving.com provide a variety of community-focused housing options.
2. Built-in Support System
Having a reliable support system is essential for mental well-being, and coliving spaces are designed to create these connections. Research shows that coliving environments can greatly improve residents' quality of life by creating a ready-made community that offers support during life's ups and downs.
In these spaces, residents often share meals, bond over common interests, and provide emotional support. This setup helps combat feelings of loneliness, especially for those far from their usual social networks. By fostering these natural connections, coliving spaces can ease the mental health effects of isolation.
"For lone individuals isolated from their social networks, Coliving provides an instant community of support. As a result, this comfort mitigates feelings of loneliness, isolation or depression." - Cohaus.com
Studies back this up, showing that supportive relationships can enhance mental health. For example, coliving environments have been found to reduce age-related health issues and improve cognitive abilities through regular social interaction.
| Support Type | Mental Health Benefits |
|---|---|
| Emotional Support | Eases feelings of loneliness and depression |
| Practical Help | Reduces daily stress through shared tasks |
| Social Connection | Builds a sense of belonging and community |
| Crisis Support | Offers help during difficult times |
Many coliving communities take extra steps to strengthen these bonds. Regular meetings provide a space for open communication, while house rules help manage conflicts. Some even offer conflict resolution training so residents can handle disagreements in a constructive way.
One example highlights a host who has created a space where residents naturally support one another. The setup balances private areas for personal time with shared spaces that encourage interaction and connection.
This built-in support system becomes especially important during big life changes. Whether it's sharing career advice, offering emotional reassurance, or simply chatting after a tough day, these connections make a real difference in improving residents' mental well-being.
3. Lower Money Stress
Finances are a major source of stress for over 86% of people dealing with mental health challenges. Coliving helps ease this burden by offering an all-inclusive pricing model. With one predictable monthly payment, residents cover rent, utilities, internet, cleaning services, and maintenance. This setup is especially helpful for freelancers and remote workers who often deal with fluctuating incomes.
Here’s how the costs compare:
| Housing Type | Monthly Cost | What's Included | Hidden Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | $1,800 | Rent only | Utilities, internet, furniture, maintenance |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $2,100 | Rent only | Utilities, internet, furniture, maintenance |
| Coliving Space | $1,100 | All-inclusive package | None |
Coliving spaces come fully furnished and include maintenance, eliminating the need for upfront investments or surprise repair costs. This setup creates a stable financial environment, allowing residents to focus on their personal goals and overall wellbeing instead of juggling unpredictable bills.
For example, near USC, coliving spaces average about $1,100 per month, significantly less than traditional housing options. The transparent pricing helps stabilize budgets and reduces anxiety. Platforms like Coliving.com make it simple to find these spaces, catering to a variety of lifestyles.
4. Better Daily Balance
Balancing work and personal life plays a big role in maintaining mental well-being. Achieving this balance can improve productivity while supporting mental health - one of the standout perks of coliving.
Modern coliving spaces are designed with this balance in mind. They include specific areas that separate work and personal activities naturally. For instance, coworking zones come equipped with ergonomic desks, high-speed internet, and meeting rooms - all within the same building. This setup removes the hassle of commuting, making life easier.
Different spaces in coliving communities cater to mental wellness:
| Area Type | Purpose | Mental Health Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Coworking Spaces | Focused work | Boosts productivity, reduces remote work stress |
| Communal Lounges | Social interaction | Lifts mood, combats feelings of isolation |
| Rooftop Terraces | Relaxation | Eases stress, encourages mindfulness |
| Game Rooms | Recreation | Stimulates the mind, strengthens social ties |
Take Palermo, for example. One resident takes advantage of the variety of spaces - from private rooms for focused tasks to shared areas for breaks and collaboration. This thoughtful design helps residents balance work and downtime effortlessly.
Romane F. shares:
"The atmosphere here promotes both productivity and relaxation, which is perfect for someone like me who values balance."
The layout of coliving spaces encourages healthy routines. With community areas nearby for quick breaks, it's easy to stay connected while avoiding burnout.
5. Group Health Activities
Coliving spaces often promote wellness through group activities, blending health and social connection. Many offer dedicated wellness areas and organized events. For instance, Aticco Living hosts regular yoga and Pilates sessions in its onsite gym.
Here are some common group wellness activities:
| Activity Type | Frequency | Mental Health Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Group Yoga Sessions | 3x weekly | Helps reduce stress and improve mindfulness |
| Community Meals | Daily | Encourages healthy eating and fosters meaningful connections |
| Meditation Classes | Weekly | Lowers anxiety and enhances emotional balance |
| Wellness Workshops | Bi-weekly | Offers education and helps build healthier routines |
These activities combine physical health benefits with opportunities for social interaction. At Palma Coliving, for example, residents can join yoga sessions three times a week or participate in garden meditation gatherings, creating a supportive, wellness-focused environment.
This mix of physical activity and community engagement strengthens the sense of belonging that coliving aims to provide. Psychologist Kristine Klussman, PhD, emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in fostering well-being:
"Self-connection is a state of being in which you regularly tune in to your own emotional, spiritual, and physical needs, and honor them in your daily actions."
A 2020 Cigna survey revealed that 61% of people reported feeling lonely. This highlights the importance of shared activities in coliving spaces - they naturally encourage social interaction while boosting mental health.
"The community aspect of coliving was definitely a plus... The spontaneous conversations, events, and just being around others during a stressful and uncertain time were all so impactful for me."
Group activities like morning yoga, shared meals, or meditation not only promote healthier habits but also reinforce the shared bonds that make coliving unique.
Conclusion
Coliving can boost mental health by easing financial stress and creating a sense of community. It goes beyond shared spaces, offering affordable housing options that encourage wellness and meaningful connections.
By combining cost savings with a built-in social network, coliving supports mental well-being through:
- Lower financial stress with shared expenses and resources
- Instant social connections to combat loneliness
- Wellness-focused activities and group engagement
- Peer support during tough times
Coliving.com offers access to over 1,700 communities across 350+ cities. As Zach, a resident, puts it:
"Co-living is such a great concept for those who want to travel and meet like-minded people rather than being isolated in their Airbnb or hotel."
Whether you're a remote worker, student, or young professional, coliving combines affordability, connection, and wellness support to help you thrive. Find the space that fits your needs and take a step toward better mental health today.
