Brilio.net/en - The quality of our relationships is the key factor to happiness and health. Even if this statement seems obvious, it was actually very hard to scientifically prove and it took about thirty years for the researchers of the famous Harvard university to come to this conclusion. Here is a recap of the main advice to remember from that study:
1. Develop close relationships
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The study shows that the lack of close family or close friends directly influences physical health. Two groups of men have been observed: some of them very close to their friends and family and some others living a solitary life. The mental function, quality of sleep and general well-being were consequently higher in the first group and risk of developing diseases were lower.
2. Prefer quality over quantity
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The point is not to just have relations with other people, it has to be a relationship where you feel appreciated for who you really are, which means feeling completely yourself with the person in front of you, especially if its a friend or a life partner. The study shows for example that couples who remain married despite low affection towards each other and lots of conflicts were leading to enhance stress and other psychological troubles leading to physical weaknesses and tendency to be ill more often. Same with people multiplying superficial relations: the more friends, the lonelier the person actually is.
3. Maintain stability and quality in conjugal relationships
The researchers have followed the same groups of people during the last thirty years and have thus see how different relationships will evolve differently. The results show that in general, and despite what we might think marriage actually makes people happier than single life! Same with friendship that have to be built through the same model that of couples. Getting to learn to really know a person takes time and respect, and while its easy to give up on someone when the first signs of disagreement show up, it is far more constructive and rewarding in the end to overcome those differences to build an actual real friendship.
The overall conclusion of this report remind me of Steve Jobs last words. While fighting against cancer he declared: I reached the pinnacle of success in the business world. In others eyes, my life is an epitome of success. However, aside from work, I have little joy. In the end, wealth is only a fact of life that I am accustomed to. [] The wealth I have won in my life I cannot bring with me. What I can bring is only the memories precipitated by love. Thats the true riches which will follow you, accompany you, giving you strength and light to go on. Love can travel a thousand miles. [] Treasure Love for your family, love for your spouse, love for your friends.
Treat yourself well. Cherish others.