Science is revealing that social connections play a vital role in our health. From our immune system to our cardiovascular system, our core relationships influence us on a cellular level.

Studies have shown that the more social relationships someone has, the greater their ability to fight the common cold, recover from a heart attack, and are generally less likely to die prematurely of causes like cigarette smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure. Having just a few close friends is enough to support your body and mind on a biological level.

In fact, social relationships have proven to be SO important that Dr. Vivek Murthy, the US Surgeon General, hypothesized: “Loneliness and weak social connections are associated with a reduction in lifespan similar to that caused by smoking 15 cigarettes a day.” Dr. Murthy also published a book called ‘Together’ that speaks of the negative health effects of loneliness and what we can do to stay more connected.

Many of us learned, throughout the pandemic, the harmful effects of isolation and social distancing, myself included. Human connection is necessary if we are to continue thriving through midlife and beyond. Join the 30-minutes of Wellness group for a self-care activity and social connections.