It’s overwhelming to prioritize what is important in today’s chaotic world. Between managing a career, home, and even a Facebook feed, knowing what to prioritize in life can be confusing. However, a 75 year long Harvard study found the one “secret” to living a fulfilling and happy life. Connection and love. It is as simple as that. You can have all the money in the world. Maybe you’re the CEO of your company and have thousands of followers too. But overall, without good quality relationships, the study found so many detrimental effects on a person’s long-term health.
This article outlines how the Harvard study was conducted. It began before World War II and continuously studied two groups of adult men throughout the following 75 years. While there were probably other “secrets” they found, the key to a fulfilling life was very clear. Good relationships keep us happier and healthier longer. Period.
Specifically, having someone you can rely on calms the nervous system. In addition, it reduces physical and mental pain. On the flip side, the data clearly showed that people who felt lonely had earlier health declines and died younger on average.
It isn’t even necessarily the number of friends you have or if you are in a committed relationship. It all revolves around the quality of your relationships. This means the vulnerability, safety in expressing yourself, and the ability to relax and be seen for who you truly are is what really counts.
As we age, we may begin to contemplate how we want to live out the remainder of our lives. It is never too late to begin to create meaningful and close connections with others. Join a group, club, or volunteer your time. Talk to your neighbor in passing, or invite a friend or family member to share meal together. Because in the end, you could have all the money in the world. You could be in fantastic physical shape and had a successful career. But without loving and caring relationships, you won’t be as happy and fulfilled as possible. Relationships are messy and complicated. But they are vital to living a good life.