🤝Healthy Relationships – Connectedness and Positive Psychology
The Healing Power of Social Connection:
Lifestyle Medicine is an integral part of LifeMedPlus discussions where typically diet and exercise are given top priority. However, there is a quiet yet equally potent pillar that serves as the “glue” for a healthy life: Healthy Relationships and Social Connectedness.
Our need for connection is inbuilt in us as humans. The ties of family, friends, and community to us mean nothing less than emotional support—they are the physiological foundation of our flourishing.
The Stark Reality: Loneliness vs. Longevity 📉
The facts about social isolation are shocking and should be taken very seriously by the health practitioners of today. Poor-quality relationships and social isolation are not only “sad” but also very dangerous.
“According to studies, loneliness has an impact on health that can be compared to smoking 15 cigarettes a day or being an alcoholic. 
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The isolation-related health problems are not only severe, but also can be measured and quantified:
- Heart Health: There is a high correlation between experiencing loneliness and the risk of heart attacks and strokes, which is the latter in case of the former by 30%.
- Chronic Disease: People living alone are more likely to become overweight, suffer from heart disease, and be diagnosed with one of the cancers at least.
- Mental Health: Loneliness still is among the main causative factors of being clinically depressed and having chronic anxiety.
Unlock the Power of Six Pillars:
Connection as Medicine: A New Kind of Prescription
The people of LifeMedPlus are confident that the healthcare professionals would “prescribe connection” as a necessary matter like they would prescribe blood pressure medications. Social connectivity has the potential to change a patient’s health path for good. 
We implement three major techniques in our practice for “social prescribing”:
- Asking the Right Questions: Our question is not merely “how do you feel?” Instead we probe into how often and what is the quality of your social communications in order to get an idea of your support network.
- Community Referrals: Patients are pushed to participate in activities offered by the clubs, charity organizations, and other community resources so that the isolation barrier can be overcome and they can feel a part of the society.
- Diverse Opportunities: Finding ways for patients to develop relationships in all areas is not just at home, work, and leisure pursuits, but also through art and activities is part of our job.
Navigating the Modern "Connection Crisis" 📲
The issue of “connection crisis” in the modern world is not easy to handle. The pandemic of COVID-19 has deeply impacted people’s social life and drastically reduced the number of social contacts. Therefore, one of the pandemic recovery strategies is to exercise the social muscles, for example, through socializing or group activities. 
In the meantime, technology creates a scenario that is hard to figure out. On the one hand, we have the highest number of digital connections ever; on the other hand, the excessive use of electronic devices often displaces the personal interaction leading to reduced relationships’ depth and quality. Lifestyle Medicine uses the analogy of the text being nice, however, the in-person connection being the real cure for the hazards of loneliness. 
The Positive Psychology of Flourishing 🌸
Having good relationships not only keeps ailments away but also supports flourishing. Thus, this is the essence of Positive Psychology. When we are in a state of connection, oxytocin (the “bonding hormone”) is released in our bodies and cortisol (the “stress hormone”) is decreased. This hormonal balance makes it less challenging to keep other healthy habits, such as eating properly or being physically active, in routine.
Prioritizing Connection for a Long Life ❤️
Our Learning Center provides the roadmap, resources, and expert guidance you need to thrive
Social connection is to be placed on the same level as a healthy diet, sufficing sleep, and exercise, which are the pillars of health. It’s a necessity in the holistic approach to longevity. 
By putting a priority on relationships and taking care of the community, you are not only enriching your social life but also, in a way, treating yourself.
Connection is, in a sense, the cure. . Learn More !!!!!