Happiness

 Dr. Robert Waldinger is the fourth director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which has studied the lives of its 700+ original participants and their 1,300+ direct descendants for over 85 years. Here is his conversation with Sahil Bloom https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVJxMMIj6-0

It is considered the longest-running longitudinal study on adult life, health, and happiness.

1. Relationship Satisfaction Impacts Health

"Relationship satisfaction at age 50 was the single greatest predictor of physical health at age 80."

Relationship satisfaction was a more effective predictor of health at age 80 than cholesterol, blood pressure, or any other health marker tracked by the study.

The strength and quality of your relationships has a direct and powerful impact on your physical health as you age.

2. Loneliness Has Real Consequences (& It's More Prevalent Than Ever)

Loneliness is on the rise.

60% of adults say they don't feel very connected to others. The amount of time teenagers are spending in person with their friends is down 70% over the last two decades.

And unfortunately, loneliness has consequences.

A number of studies—including Dr. Waldinger's Harvard Study—have found that the health impact of loneliness is quite dire.

Chronic loneliness has been found to increase dementia risk by up to 50%.

Lack of social connection is worse for your health than tobacco and alcohol abuse, obesity, and more.

3. Make "Social Fitness" a Priority

Dr. Waldinger says our social health should be thought of in the same manner as our physical health—that it's the result of tiny daily actions that compound over long periods of time.

Make your social health a part of your daily routines: When you think something nice about someone, let them know right then, tell your partner one thing you appreciate about them every single day, reach out to that friend and catch up, plan that dinner.

Your daily social health actions compound. Build your Social Fitness.

4. Check Your Energy to Improve Your Life

Check your energy level after spending time with someone. Do you feel energized or drained?

Spend more time with your energy creators and less time with your energy drainers. Your life will improve.

5. Ambivalent Relationships are the Most Toxic

Ambivalent relationships—those that are sometimes supportive and sometimes demeaning—are actually worse for your health than purely demeaning relationships.

A variety of studies on humans and animals have shown that ambivalent relationships have sharper negative health consequences than purely toxic ones.

Audit your relationships. It may be time to reduce the energy given to these people.