The secret sauce to a long, sharp life.
Isolation degenerates. Loneliness kills. What helps contribute to a long healthy life? According to a Harvard Study of Adult Development started more than 80 years ago, human health is influenced by connections between people. They started recording data in 1938 during the Great Depression, following the health of 268 Harvard sophomores, and what they have found contains lessons for all of us in our modern society. The findings debunk commonly held myths about health and happiness.
The study is based on a comprehensive review of the participant’s life and biology. They not only answer questionnaires, but their medical records are reviewed, their blood is drawn, their brains are scanned, and their family members are interviewed. The lesson learned is that health and happiness are not about wealth, fame, or working harder. They are about good relationships.
According to Dr. Waldinger, who now leads the study, a psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital and a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, they have learned 3 big lessons about relationships:
Social connections are beneficial for our health, and loneliness kills.
People who are more socially connected to family, friends and community are happier, physically healthier and live longer than people who are less connected.
The experience of loneliness turns out to be toxic. People who are more isolated than they want to be from others find that they are less happy, their health declines earlier in midlife, their brain function declines sooner, and they live shorter lives than people who are not lonely. (Source “Keep Sharp. Build a better brain at any age”, by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, MD)
Good people do good things for other people. They share their vulnerabilities, their challenges, their conquers, their successes, their love and commitments, their support. It’s the power and the sustainable connection that communities can create.
At Kasa Yoga Dallas, my purpose as the founder and teacher is to develop a sense of belonging and support between my members by practicing for a better and healthier life. Year after year, I create a word that will support the path of the yoga journey; in 2019 it was CHANGE; in 2020 it was RESILIENCE; in 2021 it was STRENGTH; in 2022 it was IMPACT, in 2023 it is OXYTOCIN (the love hormone) because this year we are focusing on connecting to our own selves, and to others. Happiness happens when we are surrounded by love, support, and encouragement.
To an incredible connected 2023. To a healthier biological aging process. At Kasa Yoga By Christina we practice living well, living more, living longer and living better.
With Love
Christina