When we want to maximize our physical health, we should not only focus on a balanced diet and exercise but also on our social relationships.

Studies, again and again, point to our relationships as a major factor in health. One meta-study found that people with hea...

When we experience stress, our bodies change:

• The stress hormone increases.
• Our cardiovascular system activates its fight or flight response.
• Inflammation increases. Inflammation helps us fight off bacteria.
• Our ability to fight off viruses decreases.

Loneliness is a major stressor. Loneliness increases cortisol and inflammation - which hurt our health in the long run.

Taking time to connect with others help activate beneficial processes, such as the release of oxytocin. Oxytocin lower cortisol, reduce...

Because our social relationships are vital for our health, it's important to consider how to improve them. Just as we might plan healthy meals or exercise, we should plan to spend quality time with friends and family.

We can catch up with friends remotely, a phone cal...

Many of the factors that impact our health are best understood at the level of community, rather than the individual.

People that live in a friendly neighborhood have a lower risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Try to invest more time into your family life. Stop ...