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3 Ways A Loving Community Makes Us Happier & Healthier

Most of us spend out life seeking happiness. But what makes us truly happy? Psychiatrist Robert Waldinger, director of the “Harvard Happiness Study” discovered good relationships keep us happier and healthier, period”.

Similarly, after a 75 year study with National Geographic and New York Times bestselling author, Dan Buettner of “The Blue Zones”, they discovered 5 Blue Zone communities lead the way on longevity and quality of life. Where are these utopias of health and happiness? Ikaria, Greece; Loma Linda, California; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan and Nicoya, Costa Rica.

People in these towns thieve in like-minded communities that highly value their relationships.

Family life is a priority and gathering together regularly is a part of their daily life. Here are a few reasons why living life with others improves not just the length of our life, but the quality as well.

3 Ways a Loving Community Makes Us Happier and Healthier

1. Communities provide practical, mental and emotional support.

We all need a little help from some friends. Waldinger discovered the healthiest communities live with like-minded people who are engaged in others lives, helpful and are able to express their intimate feelings with each other. All of these aspects help reduce chronic stress, which is a major factor in our most prevalent diseases like heart disease, autoimmune disorders, digestive problems and mental illness. Being able to lean on, trust and confide in others sustains us physically, mentally and emotionally.

2. Laughter is the best medicine.

Love to laugh with family and friends? Yes it’s fun, but healthy too. Gathering socially with loves ones can lead to laughter, leaving you healthier. Laughing raises T-cells, which help fight infection and improves our immunity, in addition to lowering stress and improving our overall outlook on life. With a more positive mindset, we’re more apt to make wiser and healthier decisions throughout the day.

3. Breaking bread together is satisfying.

Several years ago I joined a group of women for dinner at a Mexican restaurant. At that time in my life, I struggled deeply with poor body image and a negative relationship with food. As the meals were served and we began to eat, my mind was onslaught of negative thoughts about my body and what I should or shouldn’t be eating. As my girlfriends ate, they took pleasure in their experience and shared this joy with each other. Their experience was quite different than the internal experience I was having. My critical thoughts prevented me from being in the moment, engaging with my community and enjoying the food around me.

As my friends ate, they spoke about how much they enjoyed their meals, sharing in the pleasure by offering others to taste their dishes. The joyful atmosphere their created overcame my internal negativity. Soon I too was joining in the fun and peacefully enjoying my meal and company.

Our mindset can disconnect us from our food and the friendships around us robbing us of a rich experience, the gathering and breaking bread together. A vibrant, healthy community can shift your relationship with food leading to greater satisfaction. We aren't meant to live, grow and change by ourselves. Our destiny unfolds as we do life together.