How Our Relationships Can Impact Our Health And Longevity with Dr. Robert Waldinger

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Jan 11, 2023

In this discussion, Dr. Robert Waldinger, a Harvard professor and director of a major happiness study, reveals how relationships shape our health and longevity. He shares findings from a long-term study that underscores the risks of loneliness and the rewards of strong social bonds. Dr. Waldinger emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, forgiveness, and meaningful connections in enhancing well-being. He also explores how curiosity and meditation can deepen relationships, ultimately leading to a happier, healthier life.

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ADVICE

Prioritize Relationships

Invest time and energy in your relationships.
Prioritize connections and community over material success or fame for happiness.

INSIGHT

Loneliness as a Risk Factor

Loneliness is a significant risk factor for disease and death.
It's a subjective experience of insufficient connection, not just being alone.

INSIGHT

Biology of Loneliness

Loneliness is a physiological stressor, activating fight-or-flight.
Good relationships act as stress regulators, calming the body.

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This episode is brought to you by Rupa Health, InsideTracker, Joovv, and Mitopure.

Everyone has the intention to live well and feel happy, but so many of our choices deviate us from those goals. Investing our time and energy into our relationships might be the key. Loneliness is a main measure of unhappiness, and it also happens to be a stressor and risk factor for disease. I’m so excited to talk to Dr. Rober Waldinger on today’s podcast episode, all about fostering better relationships to live a longer, happier, and healthier life.

Dr. Robert Waldinger is a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development at Massachusetts General Hospital, and cofounder of the Lifespan Research Foundation. Dr. Waldinger received his AB from Harvard College and his MD from Harvard Medical School. He is a practicing psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, and he directs a psychotherapy teaching program for Harvard psychiatry residents. Dr. Waldinger is also a Zen master (Roshi) and teaches meditation in New England and around the world. He is the co-author of the book The Good Life: Lessons From the World’s Longest Scientific Study on Happiness.

This episode is brought to you by Rupa Health, InsideTracker, Joovv, and Mitopure.

Check out a free, live demo with a Q&A or create an account at RupaHealth.com.

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Here are more details from our interview (audio version / Apple Subscriber version):

The number-one life choice you can make today for future health and happiness (5:08 / 1:43)
The connection between our relationships and our health (11:29 / 8:00)
Cultivating relationships and well-being (13:41 / 10:16)
Getting to know your partner better (23:44 / 20:20)
Practices that promote happiness (36:50 / 31:29)
Letting go of grudges and healing relationships (39:47 / 34:05)
Strategies for social fitness (43:32 / 38:25)
Navigating romantic relationships ( 53:01 / 47:11)
Community as medicine (56:57 / 51:25)
What matters most in life (1:07:43 / 1:02:13)

Get a copy of Robert’s book, The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness.

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