Focus
Coming to the end of week 7 in lockdown and I have had ample opportunity to connect with myself (lots of time to meditate and dye my own hair) and with my immediate family (jostling for access to the fridge and the dog). But Zoom fatigue is real and I miss seeing my friends and clients (frients? cliends?) face-to-face. Our ability to connect with ourselves and others is at the root of what makes and keeps us healthy, so we should aim to proactively flex the superpower of our social connections.
Well said
"We are creatures of community. Our feelings help to connect us, whereas thoughts – especially judgments – tend to isolate us." Dr Dean Ornish
Fact
Social connections give us a 50% chance of living longer! (based on a review of 148 studies, with a total of 308,849 participants)
Spotlight
Our cuddle hormone - Oxytocin - is released when we hug or bond socially. Among other things (cue the Coronials, or Quaranteens), this hormone helps us feel relaxed, reduces stress, decreases anxiety and boosts our immune system. And if your husband, wife, son, daughter, or siblings are all hugged out, the great news is that oxytocin is happily released when you are playing with your pet.
Practice this
This week aim to be both mindful and physical. Practice this -https://www.thenutritionpractice.org/connect- to boost your health and happiness.
Hug often, hold tight and breathe. Enjoy.
Recipe
Always up for a celebration, this week we enjoyed Cinco de Mayo with communal tacos: Here is a great plant based recipe (just ignore the directions for olive oil).
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