Self-help gurus will tell you that you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with. If that’s to be believed, many of us might want to find a few new friends.
Turns out there’s scientific validity to that assertion. Who you spend time with can impact your health and happiness more than your own individual efforts.
Researchers have found that certain health behaviors appear to be contagious and that our social networks — in person and online — can influence obesity, anxiety and overall happiness. A recent report found that a person’s exercise routine was strongly influenced by his or her social network
When it comes to longevity, the story remains the same. Studies of the health habits of people who live in so-called blue zones — regions of the world where people live far longer than average — reveal that positive friendships are a common theme in these areas.
So when we consider developing a more positive social network, are we talking about social media? Can your Instagram heroes and Facebook followers inspire you to live your best life? Not likely — we’re talking about three to five real-world, in-person friends here. And the benefits are huge.
I argue that the most powerful thing you can do to add healthy years is to curate your immediate social network,” says Dan Buettner, a National Geographic fellow and author. “Your group of friends are better than any drug or anti-aging supplement, and will do more for you than just about anything.
It can be tough to cut out that long-time friend who you know is holding you back and dragging you down, but it may be the best thing you can do for yourself long term. Misery may love company, but that doesn’t mean you have to show up.
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Vanity Metrics
Eliminating wrinkles and stopping hair loss may be trivial when compared with suffering from age-related illness and dying. And yet, I’m guessing you’re going to click this link just like I did.
Scientists Reverse Aging-Associated Skin Wrinkles and Hair Loss in a Mouse Model
Night Journeys
We all know by now that skimping on sleep is not a badge of honor; it’s just bad for you. Instead, let’s focus on the fact that we go on amazing journeys in our dreams — and our brain treats them just like events in our waking life.
While We Sleep, Our Mind Goes on an Amazing Journey
Getting to Yes
Part of business — no matter what type you’re in — is bargaining and asking for what you want, deserve, and need. If there’s a part of your current gig that you want to change, consider these negotiation tips from people who have been there, won that.
How to Negotiate Anything — From People Who Have Done It
Wander Workers
Digital nomads are one facet of the larger gig economy, which also includes traditional freelancers, remote workers and teams, contingent workers, and side hustlers. A February 2018 study found that the U.S. hiring managers included in the survey expect a 168 percent increase in work done by flexible talent within 10 years
Designing a Future for the Untethered Workforce
Budget Blues
Who wants to track their spending? The few people who actually try it find that their budgets completely fail after two days because tracking every penny is overwhelming. Here’s how to create a new, simple way of spending.
Budget Help: How to Build a Bulletproof Budget
Second Act
Not only are older workers not retiring (nearly one in four over the age of 65 are active in the workforce, according to research from the Federal Reserve Bank) they are actively looking for specific types of work in the second act of their careers.
Forget Retirement, Most Older Workers are Looking for These Jobs
Escape the Story
We all tell ourselves stories as we go through life. At times we get so caught up in those stories that we forget that they’re not reality, and let them stop us from living the life we want in the present moment.
The Stories That Stop Us From Being Present and Taking Action
Aware of Others
Mindfulness meditation proponents often tout it as a way to create a more compassionate society. That claim seems a bit dubious upon first glance, and yet evidence is mounting that they might be right.
Does Mindfulness Meditation Really Make You Kinder?
What You Own Owns You
What Minimalism is really all about is a reassessment of your priorities so that you can strip away the excess stuff — the possessions, ideas, relationships, and activities — that don’t bring value to your life.
7 Minimalist Ways To Declutter Your Life
Empathy Exercise
Here’s a quick and simple exercise in empathy that we can all benefit from, and it boils down to this: What burdens are the people you encounter daily carrying? And how would you treat them differently if you knew?
Ask Yourself This: What Burdens Is That Other Person Carrying?
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