Remember what we were talking about on Monday?
Why you really really really need a workout buddy?
Because it is difficult for lonely people to stick to an exercise routine.
Well, my brilliant sister-in- law Linda researched it, and guess who else had something to say about that:
Dr. Vivek Murthy, the United States Surgeon General!
He created a first ever directive in 2022.
(Was it a repeat of the smoking directive? I remember cutting that one out of Parade magazine at the bottom of the cigarette ads and tearfully giving it to my dad, who clearly didn’t know. He stopped smoking later on, so I bet I made a difference. 😉
Nope: Dr. V wants to fight the Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.
What??
Loneliness is of EPIDEMIC proportions!
Epidemic.
Wow!
Quote of note: “Lacking connection can increase the risk of premature death to levels comparable to smoking daily.”
So: you might as well be a smoker if you aren’t hanging out with some friends or family or neighbors or community group.
Just because you have people around you doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t feel lonely, either.
Compelling, eh?
In the 2 min video I linked above, he has four simple strategies to help gain connections.
He’s a pretty hip S.G. and has lot of interesting podcasts out too…you go, Dr. V!
Here’s to balance, strength, and connected happiness,
🙂 Laura
