Social Support and Your Health

Summary

Dr. Larry Berkelhammer discusses the importance of social support for happiness and health, drawing on research showing that people with strong social circles are the happiest and healthiest. He introduces a mindfulness practice aimed at building relationships to increase social support. The practice involves setting an intention to connect with others, such as calling a friend or arranging a coffee meet-up, and emphasizes the need for a formal approach to building a support network, which is crucial for enhancing well-being and mastery in life.

Takeaways

• 😊 Mindfulness practices can enhance Mastery and well-being.
• 🤝 Social support is a critical factor for maintaining health and happiness.
• 📞 Building a strong social network requires deliberate effort, such as calling friends or meeting people regularly.
• 🏡 Improving relationships with coworkers, friends, and family is essential for creating social support.
• 🌱 Having a sense of belonging and connection is a basic human need, as important as food and shelter.
• 🛠 Creating a practice of relationship building can significantly improve well-being for those lacking social support.
• 🎯 Setting a formal intention to build social connections is key to establishing a support network.
• 👥 The focus is not just on maintaining existing relationships but on actively growing one’s support system.
• 💡 Strong social support leads to better health and happiness, while a lack of it can contribute to health problems.
• 📊 Studies show that people with extensive social networks tend to have greater Mastery and overall well-being.

Q & A

Who is Dr. Larry Berkelhammer?

Dr. Larry Berkelhammer is a researcher who has studied mindfulness practices aimed at increasing Mastery and well-being. In this discussion, he focuses on the importance of social support in achieving these goals.

What is the main topic Dr. Berkelhammer addresses in this transcript?

Dr. Berkelhammer addresses the importance of social support in promoting health, happiness, Mastery, and well-being, and introduces a 'relationship building' practice to enhance social support.

What key finding did Dr. Berkelhammer discover in his literature reviews on healthy and happy people?

Dr. Berkelhammer found that people with strong and large social support networks tend to be healthier and happier, while those with minimal social support often experience more health issues and unhappiness.

What is the 'relationship building practice' that Dr. Berkelhammer developed?

The relationship building practice is a formal, intentional practice aimed at enhancing one's social support network. It involves daily efforts such as calling friends, meeting people for coffee, or improving relationships with co-workers and family members.

Where did Dr. Berkelhammer get the idea for the relationship building practice?

He got the idea from reviewing research, including studies by Ellen Langer on social support in nursing homes, and from Ken Peler at Stanford, who emphasized the importance of belonging and connection as basic human needs.

Why does Dr. Berkelhammer believe social support is as critical as basic human needs like food and shelter?

Based on research, Dr. Berkelhammer believes that social support is essential for human health and well-being. He highlights that a strong support system may be a key factor in distinguishing healthy individuals from those who suffer from mental and physical health challenges.

What is the goal of the relationship building practice?

The goal is to intentionally grow and improve one's social support network, which contributes to greater Mastery, well-being, and a sense of connection and community.

Why is setting intentions important in the relationship building practice?

Setting intentions is crucial because it creates a formal and consistent approach to building social support. It ensures that individuals actively seek out and strengthen their relationships.

What distinguishes people with strong support systems in epidemiological studies?

People with strong support systems in epidemiological studies are found to be healthier, happier, and experience greater Mastery and well-being compared to those with limited social connections.

What advice does Dr. Berkelhammer give to those who lack a strong social support system?

Dr. Berkelhammer advises adopting a formal, intentional practice of relationship building, focusing on actively growing and nurturing supportive relationships to improve overall well-being.