Good morning!!

Weird question for you …

When was the last time you got together with friends or family and had some fun?!  

I wanted to ask because there’s important research I was reading about that shows that social time can help you live longer.

First, a little background.  You know stress isn’t good for you, right?  That includes feeling lonely and disconnected.  We've all had close experience with this over the past year.

Well, research shows that chronic stress impacts you right down to the cellular level, making you more susceptible to dangerous chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and even some types of cancer.

That’s because stress seems to contribute to shortening the “caps” on the ends of your DNA (called telomeres), which play a major role in the aging process.

Longer telomeres = longevity!

Scientists say you can start protecting your telomeres right now by living a healthy lifestyle by focusing on eating nutrient-dense foods and exercising regularly.

But that’s not why I am sending this email.

Here’s the cool part ...

Your social connections also play a major role!  Especially positive relationships that help you feel supported.  They are also associated with longer telomeres!

Is it time to get together for a game night with your besties?  Yes...this can be done over video platforms.

If this is an area you struggle with because you don’t have any nearby social connections, here are some ideas:

• Join a walking group or book club in your community
• Find a fitness studio/group that caters to people like you (same age, interests, etc.), and build a new network based on shared goals.
• Take a class (in person if at all possible) to learn a new hobby or skill that you’ve been wanting to try.  I strongly urge my clients to find a Dragon Boat paddling opportunity nearby their homes.  Let me know if you need help with this.  This activity is the most accessible and inclusive team sport in the world.  I personally, run a twice weekly paddling program on my local lake for folks of all ages, fitness levels, and (dis)abilities in my community.

On top of being a great stress-busting outlet for you, it might also help improve your long-term health!

Make it an amazing day,

Jessica Shotwell Walker, INHC, Pn1

Momentum Transformations, LLC

Guided Life Change…At Your Own Pace

*Integrative Nutrition Health Coach

*Dragon Boat Paddling Trainer

*Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach

jessica@momentumtransformations.com

770-727-5800

PS: Don't forget to download my FREE e-book "Healthy Living at Any Age" 

REFERENCES

https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/real-proof-you-can-reverse-stress-and-aging

https://www.wellandgood.com/relationships-friends-longevity-telomeres/