Health Hacks, Day 2 of 21 Days

Health Hacks, Day 2 of 21 Days
The Power of Relationships
By: Sheryl Sullivan

The Power of Relationships

When we think of getting healthy and living a long life, we often think of exercise, eating right, taking supplements.  But one of the things we don’t think about is the significance of our personal relationships and how they impact our health. John Robbins states in his book “Healthy at 100” that the most important indicator of longevity and good health is the quality of our personal relationships.    Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a researcher at Brigham Young University did a series of studies of tens of thousands of middle aged people, looking at every aspect of their lifestyle. She found that the most powerful indicator of long life was having meaningful relationships.

It’s easy to get busy and to forget about investing in our relationships.  So today, call a friend for coffee, play with your kids or go for a walk with your spouse.  Let’s be mindful of the incredible benefits, both physically and emotionally, of building meaningful relationships.

“How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!  For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion.  And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting.”  Psalms 133:1-3

Good, close relationships appear to buffer us from the problems of getting old” Robert Waldinger – a psychiatrist with Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital

Developing psycho-social supports is just as important as eating well, driving safely, exercising, and avoiding smoking.  Time spent with our spouse, children, grandchildren and closest friends, gives ‘live messages’to our cells

Linda and Charlie Bloom

4 replies
  1. Karl
    Karl says:

    That’s some good advice! There is nothing like the support that comes from close family and friends. Isolation is a harmful thing. Embrace your time placement in the body of Christ and experience the tangible benefits! Be well my friend!

    Reply
  2. Kelly Michalczyk
    Kelly Michalczyk says:

    Community isn’t the first thing you think of when you’re thinking about health and healing, but it’s so true!!! Thanks Sheryl – so good!

    Reply
  3. Fay Rowe
    Fay Rowe says:

    It occurs to me that there are also many scriptures that talk about the difficulty and, no doubt, stress involved when people who are in disagreement try to walk together. That would create an environment where health could be affected negatively? I know there are many circumstances where it is physically impossible to remove oneself from those situations, but, in those, God’s grace is enough. God’s peace will prevail. The Healer is still present.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *