Julia Hotz, an award-winning author and journalist, delves into the fascinating world of social prescribing in this conversation. She shares her journey in writing 'The Connection Cure' and highlights the alarming impact of loneliness on mental health. Discover how 80% of our health outcomes are influenced by social factors and learn about the role of link workers. Hotz shares moving stories, like a woman whose depression improved through sea swimming, and emphasizes the healing power of art and community, particularly for single women.
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insights INSIGHT
What Is Social Prescribing?
Social prescribing involves doctors prescribing community activities to enhance wellbeing.
It shifts healthcare focus from "what's the matter with you" to "what matters to you."
question_answer ANECDOTE
Sea Swimming Aids Depression
Amanda overcame depression with a social prescription to sea swimming lessons.
Moving her body in nature and community helped reduce antidepressants and improve wellbeing.
insights INSIGHT
Nature Restores Attention & Health
Humans evolved to pay close attention to nature, benefiting survival.
Time in nature restores attention and reduces stress and anxiety effectively.
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In this book, Julia Hotz combines diligent science reporting, moving patient success stories, and surprising self-discovery to illustrate the lasting and life-changing power of social prescribing. Instead of traditional pharmaceutical prescriptions, social prescribing involves referrals to community activities and resources. Hotz shares stories of individuals whose lives have been transformed through social prescribing, such as an aspiring novelist who copes with trauma through art workshops, a policy researcher who tapers off antidepressants through swimming courses, and an army vet who forms meaningful friendships through phone conversations. The book emphasizes the importance of reconnecting to what matters to us to improve our health and well-being.
Shiny Happy Singles
Shiny Happy Singles
Lucy Meggeson
Lucy Meggeson's "Shiny Happy Singles" (or "Thrive Solo" in the US and Canada) challenges societal norms surrounding marriage and parenthood. It celebrates the single, child-free life, exploring various aspects such as solitude, finances, relationships, and mindset. The book features interviews with other women sharing their experiences, offering relatable stories and practical advice. Meggeson aims to empower readers to embrace their chosen path, proving that happiness doesn't require a partner or children. The book provides a supportive and validating perspective for those who choose a different life path.
My guest on the podcast this week is the fabulous Julia Hotz.
Julia is a journalist and award-winning author of The Connection Cure — the first book chronicling the science, stories, and spread of social prescribing. She helps other journalists report on evidence-backed ideas at the Solutions Journalism Network, and advises health organisations like Walk with a Doc and Social Prescribing USA. For her work on social prescribing, she has spoken at TEDx, taught in medical schools and practices, delivered keynote speeches, advised policymakers, and more.
Topics that we cover are:
how she came to write her book, The Connection Cure;
what she discovered about loneliness;
social prescribing, and what exactly it is;
how 80% of our health is determined by social and environmental factors;
how 1 in 5 people in the UK are going to their GP for social reasons;
link workers — who they are and what they do;
how loneliness is correlated with things like anxiety and depression;
how depression is strongly related to the loss of a connection;
the huge importance of moving our bodies;
the story of Amanda who was prescribed sea swimming for her depression;
the undeniable benefits of spending time in nature;
how art can be effective for people suffering from anxiety disorders;
the connection between mental and physical health;
how social prescribing pertains to single women;
what matters to you vs what’s the matter with you;
how your relationship status is about as interesting as your hair colour, i.e. not very!
Buy Jules' book, The Connection Cure: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Connection-Cure-Prescriptive-Movement-Belonging/dp/1035423081
Check out her website: https://www.hotzthoughts.com/
Follow Jules on Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/hotzthoughts/
Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book
Download my FREE PDF 'The Top 10 Answers To The Most Irritating Questions That Single People Get Asked On The Regular...& How To (Devilishly) Respond'? Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/questions
Join the waitlist for my membership, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo
Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson
Interested in my 1-1 Coaching? Work with me HERE: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/workwithme