In an article, “Sick with Sadness,” Matthew Hutson looks at the link between social isolation and biological functions such as inflammation and blood pressure. The subtitle of the article is a bit direct: “Why do some people die from grief, while others pull through?” The study’s lead author, Mary-Frances O’Connor, a psychologist at the University of Arizona, looked at blood levels of several inflammation-inducing molecules, including interleukin-6.
The good news about all of this is there are things you can do: “Studies have found that cognitive behavioral therapy, aerobic exercise, meditation, T’ai Chi Chih, and a Mediterranean diet all reduce the IL-6 level in the blood.” Feeling connected (rather than isolated) provides amazing health benefits.
In Pay Attention For Goodness Sake, Silvia Boorstein, offers a suggestion for an every-day, real-world exercise at the end of each chapter. The first is to commit to doing five unscheduled acts of generosity every day. She suggests that you tell someone you are going to do that, and to report back what your experience is. For this exercise, things you would ordinarily do—such as church dues or symphony support—are not included. Some of her suggestions include letting the person behind you have your place in line or passing up a parking place because you see someone else wants it. She says the joy of generosity is “heightened if looking for the opportunity to give something to someone, planning to do it, doing it, and seeing the response.”
This week, prevent any potential health risks due to social isolation as you enjoy going about your days inner asking the question, “Who is around me that I can do something for?”
 |
Rev. Debra Basham
Voice: (269) 921-2217 Email: debra@scs-matters.com https://scs-matters.com http://ImagineHealing.info http://SurgicalSupport.info Small Changes … Infinite Results™
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” ~Mother Teresa Tips from 5 April 2010 to 6 August 2012 are here: Archived Tips |