Maybe your idea of fun is gathering your closest friends for a rambunctious dinner party complete with high-energy card games and music thumping in the background. Or perhaps you’d rather sit at home, in the peace and quiet of your lonesome, with a bowl of air-popped popcorn, a Jane Austen novel, and a cat at your feet.

Regardless of which scenario sounds ideal to you, science knows the truth that may unite introverts and extroverts once and for all: Everyone benefits from human connection. Although everyone may require different amounts of interaction, researchers have found a number of ways that socializing benefits physical and emotional health.

One of the most studied aspects of social relationships is how it affects cognitive health in older adults. Cognitive decline is a somewhat normal part of aging, however, certain factors—like social relationships—can make the decline better or worse.

Even if you think you prefer your own company most of the time, chances are, too much time alone will start to backfire eventually. After all, social isolation has long been used as a form of torture for prisoners of war. A weekend alone may feel nice at first but may soon transition into unnerving loneliness.

Human connection helps provide a sense of belonging and that you’re supported and cared about, which is something that helps both extroverts and introverts thrive. When people feel supported, they tend to have better self-esteem and a greater sense of purpose.

What’s more, your friendships and club meetings are likely to get you smiling and laughing. Research shows that laughter itself has proven health benefits as well, such as reducing stress and improving sleep quality.

A healthy social life can help reduce stress. Chronic stress compromises hormone regulation in the body, and your hormones control a number of bodily processes. In other words, chronic stress hurts your body in several ways, and one of those consequences is a weakened immune system.

Positive social bonds may encourage positive health habits. Your social support system might provide you with running buddies, motivation to get out of bed and hike on a Saturday morning.

Even if you’re an introvert, having a sense of community has major perks. You don’t have to give up your “me time” to still get the benefits of socializing. Just find activities and groups for you, like structured book clubs, watching movies with friends, running groups, or art classes. And yes, you can still give yourself plenty of time to “recharge.”