By Sophia Piña-McMahon November 15, 2023
Research has shown that social connections, whether they be with family or with friends, can have a number of benefits for one’s physical and mental health. People with strong social ties experience reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and cognitive decline, as well as improved immune function, reduced stress and anxiety, and increased happiness and well-being. Social connection is also a common theme across the blue zones cultures. By contrast, in the fast-paced lives of many Americans, it is growing ever easier to let televisions and “busyness” get in the way of spending quality time with loved ones. These…