Heartbreak can have a significant negative impact on human health, increasing the risk of early death and various chronic diseases. Research shows that heartbreak can lead to increased inflammation in the body, which can contribute to a higher likelihood of developing metabolic and other chronic diseases. Studies have indicated that being in close marriages has salubrious effects on health, while divorce can have detrimental effects, making individuals more susceptible to illness. It is described as a hidden landmine of existence that is often not taken seriously enough, despite its ability to make individuals sick and increase their risk of various health complications.
Science writer Florence Williams felt blindsided when her twenty-five-year marriage unexpectedly fell apart. The heartbreak opened her up to a whole range of new and intense feelings, but it also made her sick. Trained as a journalist, Florence set out on an expedition to understand the science of heartbreak and game her way back to health. She tried novel forms of therapy, immersed herself in nature, and consulted cutting-edge research on the science of awe. But her greatest discovery came when she tried an alternative to “hacking” heartbreak.
If you’re interested in hearing more of Florence’s story, listen to “Heartbreak: A Personal and Scientific Journey,” a uniquely immersive audiobook, narrated by the author and accompanied by in-the-moment diary recordings and interviews.
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