We all want to feel good and stick around for a long time, right? We think about healthy food and maybe moving our bodies a bit. But there’s something super important that often gets missed: the people in our lives.
Think about when you’re feeling low. Who do you want to talk to? When something great happens, who’s the first person you call? It’s usually someone you feel close to. And guess what? It turns out these social connections aren’t just nice–they’re actually a big deal for our health and how long we live. Embracing a holistic lifestyle means looking at all the different parts of our lives that contribute to our well-being, and strong social connections are a vital piece of that puzzle.
Why Our Friendships and Family Matter: How They Help Us Live Longer and Feel Better
It might sound obvious, but having good connections with people does amazing things for our bodies and minds. Let’s look at some of the lovely ways our relationships boost our well-being and help us live longer:
1. Less Worry, Happier Hearts:
Feeling connected to others is like a big comfort blanket when things get tough. When we have people who support us, our bodies don’t get as stressed. Too much stress is bad news for our hearts, our blood pressure, and even how well we fight off germs. Good friends and family help keep that stress down, which means healthier hearts and happier feelings.
2. Stronger Bodies That Can Fight Off Germs:
Believe it or not, our social lives can even help us stay healthy! When we feel loved and supported, our bodies seem better at fighting off colds and flu. It’s like our connections give our bodies a little extra boost. This is just one way that nurturing our relationships supports a holistic lifestyle, impacting our physical health directly.
3. Sharper Minds:
Our brains love company! Talking to people and sharing experiences keeps our minds active and interested. It seems that having good social connections can even help keep our minds sharp as we get older. Staying connected means more chats, more learning, and more fun together, all of which are great for our brains.
4. Living Longer Lives:
This is a big one! Lots of studies show that people with good social connections tend to live longer. It’s like having people in our lives who we can count on is super important for how long we stick around. Some studies even say that not having strong connections can be as bad for you as smoking! When we consider a holistic lifestyle, we see that these social ties contribute significantly to our overall longevity.
5. Feeling Happier and Less Alone:
Feeling lonely can be really tough on our minds. But when we have friends and family who care about us and who we can share our lives with, it helps us feel like we belong. It makes us feel less sad, worried, and lonely.
6. Doing Healthier Things:
The people we spend time with can even influence the choices we make. If your friends like eating healthy food and going for walks, you might want to do those things too. Good friends can encourage us to make good choices for our health.
Making Connections: Easy Ways to Be Closer to People
So, we know being connected is super important. But how do we actually build and keep these good relationships going? It’s often the little things that matter most:
1. Just Say Hi:
Don’t wait for a special reason to talk to people you like. Send a quick message, call them up, or just say hello to see how they’re doing.
2. Really Be There:
When you’re with someone, put your phone away and really pay attention. Listen to what they’re saying and show that you care.
3. Join Fun Things:
Doing things you enjoy with other people is a great way to make friends. Think about joining a book club, a sports group, or even volunteering for something you believe in.
4. Take Care of Your Friendships and Family:
Don’t forget about the people who are already in your life. Make time for them, help them out when they need it, and let them know you appreciate them.
5. Be Open to Meeting New People:
Keep an open mind and be willing to meet new folks. You never know who might become a good friend! Just be friendly and say hello.
6. Help Others Out:
Connecting with people isn’t just about what you get; it’s also about what you give. Being there for others and helping them when they need it can make your friendships stronger and make you feel good too.
7. Use Your Phone Wisely:
While too much phone time can keep us apart, it can also help us stay connected when people live far away. Video calls and messages can be a great way to keep in touch.
What It All Means: People Make Life Better and Longer
So, while eating healthy and moving around are important, let’s not forget about the people in our lives. They’re not just nice to have; they’re a key part of feeling good and living a long time. Taking care of our friendships and family can make us less stressed, help our bodies stay strong, keep our minds sharp, and make us feel happier. Embracing a holistic lifestyle truly means valuing these connections as much as we value our physical health.
Make an effort to connect with the people around you. Spend time with them. You might just find that the secret to a good and long life is all about the love and support of your friends and family. It’s about having your people and enjoying life together!
This article was written for WHN by Sheerin Jafri, a passionate and creative blogger who loves to write about Health and relationships. Her writings are focused on prevailing topics, and her long-term vision is to empower youth in making their decisions.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
Opinion Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of WHN/A4M. Any content provided by guest authors is of their own opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything else. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
