Why Social Health Is the Missing Key to Living Longer, Healthier, and Happier w/ Kasley Killam
Jul 11, 2024
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Social health expert Kasley Killam joins the host to discuss the importance of prioritizing social health, addressing loneliness as a public health issue, exploring social health styles, and optimizing strategies for building meaningful connections. They emphasize the impact of social connections on overall well-being and share practical tips to enhance social health for a longer, healthier, and happier life.
Prioritizing social health is essential for overall well-being, similar to physical and mental health.
Engage in intentional connection gestures to foster a socially healthy culture and combat loneliness.
Recognize and set boundaries with toxic relationships while nurturing nourishing connections for social health.
Deep dives
Importance of Social Health
Social health should be prioritized just as physical and mental health are, according to Cassie Killam. Meaningful relationships are essential for overall health, and loneliness is declared a public health priority, advocating for a shift towards emphasizing social connections for a healthier society.
Strategies for Strengthening Social Muscles
Cassie Killam introduces four strategies similar to physical fitness: stretch, rest, tone, and flex social muscles. Stretching involves expanding social circles, while rest includes taking breaks to recharge. Toning focuses on deepening emotional ties, and flexing entails sustaining and nurturing relationships over time.
Challenges in Social Connections
Recognizing negative influences in social interactions is vital for social health. Setting boundaries with toxic relationships, and fostering nourishing connections is emphasized. Individuals are empowered to prioritize relationships that are respectful, kind, and enriching.
Individual and Societal Impact
Encouraging intentional connection gestures like smiling at neighbors or engaging in deeper conversations aids in fostering a socially healthy culture. Initiatives at the federal level focusing on loneliness and social health, along with the promotion of social prescribing by doctors, indicate positive societal changes.
Promoting Hope and Empowerment
Promoting optimism and empowerment in social interactions can lead to positive shifts in societal connections. Recognizing the importance of social health and instilling these values in children through educational settings can drive meaningful change and foster a more socially healthy society.
This week Scott is joined by author and social health expert Kasley Killam. Scott and Kasley discuss the importance of prioritizing social health and why cultivating relationships is as important as diet, exercise and sleep.