Research suggests that having strong social ties—family, friends, everyone you interact with—has the same impact on your health as quitting smoking; and twice the impact as exercise.
So don’t feel too bad when you have a piece of chocolate cake next time you meet with your friend 😉
The pandemic has morphed our social ties into friendship from a distance. I miss hanging out with more than a few of my friends at the same time. I miss going to the movie theater or a concert.
On the flip side, I’ve been in touch with more friends in the past six months than ever before. Everyone I know is the same distance from me: just a few keystrokes on my phone.
Have you gotten in touch with a friend to say ‘hi, how are you doing?’ Your health and your friend will thank you in return!
My bite size well-being tip is → contact your friends. With all the craziness in our lives, it might feel difficult to find the time, but your call/text/email might be the light your friend is looking for!
P.S. One way to avoid the chocolate cake is to go for a walk with your friend 🠞 you get the benefit of being social and exercise at the same time 😉
Stay healthy, stay happy!