SOCIAL HEALTH: Why Friendship Might Matter More Than Your Diet

What if one of the most important things you can do for your health has nothing to do with what you eat, how much you exercise, or how many hours you sleep?

It might be your relationships.

I'm kicking off a month-long series on social health with my friend Liz Bohannon, and we're starting with the big question: Why do we treat friendship and connection like an optional extra, a “bonus”, when research suggests they're one of the strongest predictors of how long and how well we live?

Liz breaks down what “social health” actually means, why it's not as soft or fluffy as it sounds, and why the quality of our relationships may matter more than we realize. Possibly more than diet, exercise and sleep (controversial, I get it!). 

We also talk about the uniquely American tendency to prioritize work, achievement, family and busyness while squeezing friendship into whatever time is left over.

Throughout this series, Liz and I are tackling the questions and frustrations you sent us—from Why am I always the one reaching out? to How do I find my people? to When is a friendship worth saving?

Because maybe the secret to living longer isn't another supplement, another workout or another diet.

Maybe it's the people we do life with.

Let’s Talk About It.

Listen in to learn more :

[0:00:26] Social Health Takes Center Stage

[0:04:06] Defining Social Health Clearly