With it’s festive colors, tantalizing food, and Latin beat, Día de los Muertos beckons even the most weary of five-day-a-week workers to the dance floor. But besides the fun frivolity, new research from Scientific American is showing that joining friends for celebratory cheer may increase our brain function and steer us toward healthier living.
A fun night out with the neighbors, meeting a long-time friend to catch-up over lunch, or even taking a trip to visit a someone special all make contributions to good health. Socializing actually reduces inflammation in the body and can lower blood pressure which both increase the probability of a long and healthy life. And when our lives are abundant with work, kid activities or even trying to get enough sleep, these activities can seem intrusive and hard to schedule.
At the University of Chicago, psychologist Joe Cacioppo studies the concept of social isolation on our brain and our health. His research finds that both loneliness and isolation are remarkably associated with poor health – both mental and physical. Having nurturing relationships with others has a positive effect that combats depression and stress. In fact, another study conducted at Brigham-Young University found that an ample social circle is more important to our health than even exercise. BYU professors Julianne Holt-Lunstad and Timothy Smith report that having low social connections compares to other well-known risk factors such as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, alcoholism, and obesity. That said, find a friend to exercise with and you’ve done yourself two favors
Social activities that stimulate your brain also hamper memory loss but Dr. Sharon Arkin at the University of Arizona found that interacting with people younger than ourselves is especially beneficial. In Arkin’s psychiatric study, she runs a program designed to stabilize cognitive decline and improve the moods of Alzheimer’s patients. Her elder rehab methodology is to engage college students with her patients in exercise sessions. Not only do these interactions produce positive memory effects but they are also shown to reduce our perception of pain.
Feeling connected to others is essential for our well-being. Having a healthy social life is vital to our mental and physical health. So, let’s make an extra effort to stay connected. Invite a stay-at-home spouse or an elderly person down the street to join you for an evening out or a meal. You’ll be helping your own health as well as that of your guest.
How will you connect with others this week?