Moody Monday: We aren't Different from Monkeys.

Okay, maybe you don’t pick through your mate’s back hair for snacks.

But much like our genetic cousins, we humans are social animals. So much so that it’s impossible to separate our physical and psychological health and wellbeing from our social life.

The impact of poor relationships is so severe that some experts have argued physicians should screen for social isolation just as they screen for heart disease or diabetes.

On the flipside…

The impact of positive relationships is tremendous.

One of the longest running studies on human wellbeing, the Harvard Study of Adult Development—which began tracking participants in 1938 and is still going—has shown that the best predictor for someone’s health, happiness, and longevity is the quality of their relationships.

(In addition to positive relationships, other protective factors included engaging in regular physical activity, not smoking or drinking excessively, having mature mechanisms to cope with life’s ups and downs, and maintaining a healthy weight.)

Additionally…

Our social circle has a strong influence on our behavior.

You’ve probably heard the advice: “If you want to be healthy, hang out with healthy people.”

The advice is well-meaning, based on results from the Framingham Heart Study that revealed just how impactful our social context is. (One finding: You’re more likely to be happy, depressed, or obese if your closest friend is happy, depressed, or obese.)

Despite this, we love our beer buddies, sloppy and loud as they are. And Grandma too, even though her incessant pie-pushing is borderline pathological.

And you definitely don’t want to get rid of that fun-loving crew.

But you can…

Amplify and nurture relationships that are particularly positive.

You know, the people who you feel bring out your “best self.”

These people will often share your deeper values, whether that’s prioritizing connection, taking care of your health, or just creating a meaningful life. They might’ve already achieved something you aspire to do, or they’re on a similar path, or they’re just happy to be an encouraging and friendly face on the sidelines.

How can you identify these exceptional people, who can enhance your chances of being the kind of person you want to be—in addition to your overall quality of life? Here we become a social family https://www.skool.com/dhow-wellness-circle-5091/about

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Moody Monday: We aren't Different from Monkeys.