Study after study has shown that social connections – through family, friends or with companion animals – seem to pay off in terms of good health, longevity and even prolonged survival among patients with very serious diseases. In fact, a landmark study found that social support was a stronger predictor of survival than physical activity, body mass index, hypertension, air pollution, alcohol consumption, and even smoking fifteen cigarettes a day!
Some evidence linking good health from strong ties to family and friends includes:
- The immune system’s natural killer cell activity is negatively affected by three “distress indicators” – one of which is lack of social support.
- One study of 75 medical students found that those who were lonely had more sluggish natural killer cells, the ones that help destroy cells infected with viruses and cancer cells, than students who were social.
- Research has shown that people who care for companion animals have less illness than people who do not. Companion animals’ owners also recover from serious illness faster.
- Susceptibility to heart attacks appears to correlate with how often people use the words “I,” “me” and “mine” in casual speech.
- Believe it or not, studies show that people who get out and spend more time with others during cold and flu season actually get fewer episodes of colds or flu than those who choose to be alone.
Your community also plays a role in the success you have with achieving your goals. A strong community and social connection holds you accountable to take the actions necessary to create the results you want. Having a sense of belonging can improve self-control which increases your likelihood of sticking to healthy habits. Plus, sharing victories make them a reality — it makes you more motivated to work harder and accomplish your goals.
The people we associate with determine our behaviors and habits so it’s important to surround yourself with people that have similar goals. Plus, everything’s easier and more fun with friends who share you interests!
How does coffee relate to community? What better way to catch up with an old friend or just get to know someone better than over a good cup of coffee.
Interestingly, hot coffee may actually put you in a more positive mindset in the morning. A study published in Science, the academic journal of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, tested how participants viewed other people when holding a warm mug of coffee versus a cup of the cold stuff. In one trial, participants holding hot coffee judged a stranger they had just been introduced to as having a more generous, caring personality, whereas those holding a cup of iced coffee didn’t see the stranger quite as favorably.
So if you’re holding something warm, you tend to judge others as being emotionally warm.
My challenge to you — invite someone to coffee this week and get to know them better. And opt for a warm cup of coffee. 🙂
Sign up for the full 21-Day Black Coffee Challenge here.
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Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link so I do earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thanks in advance if you do choose to go through the link above! If you have any questions about this product, let me know and I would be happy to answer them for you.