In an era of the 21st century, we are driven to have a very fast paced life. Bottom line: Stress. It can wreck havoc on our lives. Stress is the culprit of many illnesses.
According to the American Psychological Association, chronic stress is linked to the six leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver and suicide. And more than 75 percent of all physician office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints. (Miami Herald, p. 7)
Stress can also be linked to hair loss. In fact, three types of hair loss can be associated with high stress. (Mayo Clinic, p. 1, 2)
One way to get out of this vicious cycle is to reach your friends and community and be engaged. There has been a Harvard research for nearly 80 years about how to live a happy and healthy life.
“The surprising finding is that our relationships and how happy we are in our relationships has a powerful influence on our health,” said Robert Waldinger, director of the study, a psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital and a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. “Taking care of your body is important, but tending to your relationships is a form of self-care too. That, I think, is the revelation.” (news.harvard.edu, p 8)
“Close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy throughout their lives, the study revealed. Those ties protect people from life’s discontents, help to delay mental and physical decline, and are better predictors of long and happy lives than social class, IQ, or even genes. That finding proved true across the board among both the Harvard men and the inner-city participants.” (news.harvard.edu, p. 9)
In essence, life should be a balance. Take time to get social and have quality time with friends, family and the community.
Resources:
https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2017/04/over-nearly-80-years-harvard-study-has-been-showing-how-to-live-a-healthy-and-happy-life/
http://www.miamiherald.com/living/article1961770.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/expert-answers/stress-and-hair-loss/faq-20057820
