PLAYING AND MAKING TIME TO SOCIALIZE

Spontaneous playing like children and socializing with others is… MARVELOUS, MAGNIFICENT, MAGICAL, and absolutely MIRACULOUS!!!

How So?

I think Barbara Striesand said it best in FUNNY GIRL with the song “People Who Need People are the Luckiest People in the World”. Have you ever considered what a life with no friends, no play, and no interaction would look and feel like? More than boring, more than lonely….It would be without a doubt – Deleterious!   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bwppplxq0yo

Unequivocally, we NEED other people – for numerous reasons: love, support, play, community, caring, help, belonging, AND…as reflections. Without other people to bounce off of, we wouldn’t be able to truly know who “we” are as a unique individual. Socializing and play gives meaning to our lives. On top of that, it also offers the probability of a healthier, longer, fulfilling life. Studies have shown that people who engage in these behaviors on a routinely basis show fewer colds and flu, lower blood pressure, reduced stress, lower heart rates,  greater mental acuity, increase ability of reaching goals, plus more!

Here is an interesting extract from “VALUEOPTIONS” published in April 2006 – written by Ellen Gold. It illustrates evidence of benefits of social interaction through a collection of studies:

Another study reported that elderly people who like to eat out, go to movies and take part in other social activities live an average of two and a half years longer than people who spend most of their time alone. The physical health benefits of socializing were equal to physical exercise, even though the social activities involved almost no physical exertion. It wasn’t physical activity or physical health but feeling worthwhile that led to longer life. Good health and eating counted, but it was social interaction that was responsible for the results.

So kick your shoes off or your heels up, join your friends and Have Some Fun! 

LOCAL RESOURCES:

  • Your Family
  • Your Friends
  • Your Colleagues

FUN LINKS TO EXPLORE:

RECOMMENDED READING:

CONNECT TO “ESTABLISHING VIBRANT HEALTH THROUGH LIFESTYLES” POST