Dr. Aimee Warren, founder of Cura Chai and Apothecary and editor of Cura Healing Magazine, is a physician who has made Lifestyle Medicine the cornerstone of her medical practice because of the well-studied impact on health. Here, we will delve into the branch of social connection and community as a fundamental contributor to health, well-being, and longevity.
Hello from Dr. Aimee
Growing up in Lake Tahoe, I’ve always been fascinated and inspired by nature. Sitting in silence among the pine trees draws my attention to the millions of quiet interactions happening all around. The trees, the soft, fragrant forest floor, the insects, squirrels—everything interconnected and in balance
The trees derive strength and vitality from their deep roots and wide branches. Trees absorb nutrients and water from the soil and derive essential energy from the sun. When fully rooted, trees contribute to the source of life on Earth by producing oxygen.
When I sit among the trees, I can't help but reflect on our human experience.Just like trees, our bodies grow and mature in seasons, we interact with our internal and external environment, and when we fully live and express our purpose, we also provide life-giving energy to the planet and benefit humanity. We are so very similar to the towering pines and ancient oaks.
We, too, derive energy from our“roots” with the food we eat, the water we drink, sleep, meditation for stress management, etc. And our energy is also directly affected by our external environment— Hello from Dr. Aimee the people we connect with in line at the store, our children, neighbors, colleagues, friends, family, and intimate partners. Taking the analogy further, we can view each branch of our“human body tree” as a pillar of Lifestyle Medicine. Each pillar, or branch, is essential for our health and sense of well-being and also plays a fundamental role in how long we will live and whether or not we’ll get a chronic disease. We know from longevity research that these six branches contribute most to optimizing health:
The branches of Lifestyle Medicine include:
- Plant-based, whole-food diet
- Daily exercise and movement
- Social connection
- Adequate sleep
- Stress management
- Limiting/eliminating alcohol, tobacco, drugs
Social connection and a sense of belonging are essential for our well-being, significantly impacting not just our mental health but our physical health as well. It’s well-known that loneliness and isolation can contribute to or exacerbate conditions like depression and anxiety. However, the effects extend beyond mental health—research shows that lacking healthy relationships or social connections can increase the risk of chronic diseases and even early death*. Remarkably, the health risks associated with chronic loneliness are comparable to a lifetime of smoking. This is truly astonishing!
But how does this happen? The answer lies in the interplay of stress hormones, unhealthy lifestyle choices, and the absence of social support, among other factors. Conversely, strong community ties, healthy marriages, and intergenerational living have been shown to enhance longevity and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Simply put, loving and being loved can significantly boost your lifespan—how amazing is that?
If you’re fortunate enough to have a strong sense of belonging, let this serve as a gentle reminder to cherish your relationships. Offer an extra hug, express your love and gratitude, or take a moment to appreciate the people who enrich your life.
For those struggling with loneliness or seeking deeper connections, remember that it’s never too late to build and nurture new relationships. There are many ways to find and cultivate the social bonds that are so vital to our health.
1 Xia N, Li H. Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Cardiovascular Health. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2018 Mar 20;28(9):837-851. doi: 10.1089/ars.2017.7312. Epub 2017 Oct 23. PMID: 28903579; PMCID: PMC5831910.
Find and nurture new relationships, by:
- Joining clubs or groups that share your interests, such as a book club or sports team.
- Volunteering for local organizations or events.
- Attending community events such as farmer’s markets or festivals.
- Hosting dinner parties or potlucks with friends and neighbors.
- Taking classes or workshops to learn new skills and meet new people.
- Strike up a conversation with a neighbor -- who knows, they might be lonely and really benefit from your kindness!
“We are hardwired to connect with others, it’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it there is suffering.”
Dr. Brené Brown