Article Contents
Having social connections is one of the uplifting statuses we can have as human. We like to connect with friends, family members, colleagues and even strangers.
The good news, one study found a clear link between social connections and health. This is one of the longest studies connecting social connections to happiness and longevity.
Certainly, there are many other ways to achieve good health and longevity. Previously, we’ve learned how running on a regular basis contributes to a longer life.
In one of the previous articles, we’ve also learned about a study that finds getting married and having kids also contributes to longevity.
Moreover, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and staying physically active are also major factors for a happy and living longer.
75-Year Study On Social Connections
Certainly, it is good to have the good genes turned on for longevity. But as the study finds, feeling happy through social connections makes people live longer.
Professor Robert Waldinger, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development says;
Loneliness kills. It’s as powerful as smoking or alcoholism.
Total Wellness Matters
Anyone who wants to live long and stay healthy should consider a total wellness. There is no doubt that diet and exercise are known major factors for longevity and health.
However, as this study finds, it’s not just about food and physical activity. One should also feed his or her psychological and mental aspect. This can be achieved through sound social connections.
Note that in couples, it’s not just the frequency of sex that contributes to happiness but the quality of the relationship. This is way aiming and working towards a happy and successful relationship is worth the effort.
Of course, intimacy matters but that’s not the only thing that matters when it comes to happiness.
Nutrition and Physical Activity
When it comes to nutrition, don’t complicate things. Your primary goal is to increase fruits and vegetable intake. In addition, a regular intake of pomegranate juice can also be helpful and eating nuts, as well.
Talking of physical activity, regular exercise matters. Just as with nutrition, don’t complicate things. It’s not an excuse that you don’t have a gym membership to exercise. As simple as daily walking is already a good way to stay physically active.
The regular physical activity also has additional benefits. It has been found that regular exercise is a good memory booster. If you think you don’t have time to exercise, think again. There are many short full body workouts that can be completed in less than 30 minutes.
On the other hand, over exercising is bad. So, stay on the safe side.
Final Thoughts
Start connecting with friends, family members, colleagues and even strangers. Keep in mind, having solid and sound social connections is one of the ways to achieve a happy life. Eventually, this happiness can result in good health and longevity.
Additionally, there are studies that find eating spicy foods also contributes to longevity. As a matter o fact, aphrodisiac foods are known to contribute longevity, too.
Another thing to consider is to minimize stress and handle it appropriately. Stress is bad for the heart. Hanging out with sound friends is a good way to minimize stress. Of course, always try to show care to others. It helps, too.