This morning, I was listening to a podcast from Dan Buettner, author of New York Times best seller, "The Blue Zones, 9 Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest". Blue zones are 5 geographical places around the world where people live the longest and healthiest. They are, Sardinia, Italy; the islands of Okinawa, Japan; Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; and Loma Linda, California. One of the major reasons for the longevity there is the diet which is predominantly whole foods plant based. But there were several other factors factors as well including having a strong sense of purpose, practicing spiritual activities, but most importantly being part of social circles that support and nourish all healthy behaviors.
In simple terms, to the degree we choose to hangout with certain people/groups (in person and online) will ultimately decide how healthy we are mentally, emotionally and physically. You must have noticed in your life, if someone is a part of a social circle which is more inclined towards partying, eating un-healthy foods, sleeping late hours, there is a good chance obesity, stress, and many other health challenges will be prevalent there.
As part of my health coaching, I consult with many well intentioned people who really want to make healthy lifestyle choices for themselves and their family members. Unfortunately, they are unable to succeed long term because they continue to associate with social circle(s) which are partly responsible for their detrimental life style in the first place. These well intentioned people will do their best to follow good eating / lifestyle habits for 2 weeks, and than there will be a gettogether or a party and they will be back to square one. This endless circus goes on for years. The unfortunate truth is that one part of them don't want to move away from their existing social environment as they derive some short term joy from it. Also they may have close friends, family members, colleagues etc. whom they feel will judge them if they decide to move away. On the flip side, continuing to be a part of this social environment does cause them certain amount of grief because deep down in their heart they know they need to move on for their own betterment. Yet they are unable to shake it up and take the net step. This indecisiveness causes much emotional turmoil in their life which in-turn impact their physical and mental health as they grow older.
Going to a health coach like myself or a therapist/counselor for guidance and support can surely get one started on the path to improved physical and/or mental health, but for the long term impact one must be willing to make changes to the environment which is making one unhealthy in the first place.
Sometimes we may feel, making changes to one's environment/social circle is easier said than done, specially when it's your loved one like your spouse, children, in-laws, close friends or colleagues who are the cause of turmoil in your life. Never mind if that's the case, even if you are not in a position to completely break free, just make an effort and become a part of a social circle (even online works beautifully) where you get to hangout with people who are into healthy eating, yoga, meditation, exercise, nature walks, social work etc. The more you focus your energy on being a part of these circles and participate, you will notice, your previous social circle will begin to have less impact on you, and in many cases people around you may start adopting the positive changes you are making in your life.
For a sincere seeker of physical and mental health I have this humble suggestion. Look deeper within yourself and ask these questions. What is your purpose on this planet? How can you make this world a better place? What can you do to improve your physical and mental health? Sincerely asking these questions will surely lead you to those that are dedicated to their own health and of those around them; Maybe you will find someone who is steeped into meditation/wisdom, he/she can inspire you to go deeper and find more purpose/meaning of life. Maybe someone who is soaked into the practice of yoga (not just postures) and will inspire you to start the practice. Maybe someone who is an avid follower of exercise/outdoor activities who will inspire you to take 10,000 steps every day. Maybe someone who is into super healthy foods who will inspire you to eat healthy or maybe someone who is dedicated to social upliftment activities and will get you involved in selfless service for the good of others. These are just a few examples, but all of these will help you move away from an environment which causes stress and impacts your life negatively.
When we surround ourselves with people/groups who are doing things that is for the greater good, their positive energy nourishes you deeply and help you pull away from people/groups in your life that are harmful to your long term health. But you have to make a choice and an effort to stay connected and committed to such people / groups. If you make an effort sincerely, you will notice how one day (not in distant future) you will become a beacon for positive change yourself. Than, it will be you who will inspire many others who are looking to make positive changes to their lives.
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