Stress Vs Connection

Welcome back, Natural Health Family.

I hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend with some time off to do a project, to complete a task, to rest, or to just have a little fun.

Something that has been coming up in my life lately is the notion of connection. I watched a TV show talking about how people can have built-up cortisol (a stress hormone) when it comes to our lifestyles. This hormone is not good or bad; however, it can be present in chronic or excess amounts.

Our society and the way we live can play a major factor. Our environment often influences us in ways that suggest:

• Chronic health issues are "normal."

• We need to be busy in order to be relevant.

• Health comes from a chemical combination.

• Aging is bad for our health.

The list goes on. But what if I told you that we could tell another story—that there are plenty of examples where the opposite is true? Today, let’s discuss why connection is vital to a healthy life.

A study was conducted some time ago where a mouse had the option of drinking only water or water laced with drugs. The mouse typically chose the one with drugs in it. This lasted a long while, showing the effects of drug addiction.

However, when the study was done in a different way, the results changed. Instead of just one mouse in a cage with nothing to do, there were multiple mice and a layout so they could live as a "community." The experiment still had both options: one with water, and one with drugs.

What do you think happened? It turns out that because of the mice’s connection with others—and a sense of belonging and contribution—they turned down the drug water even though it was readily available.

So, what does this have to do with stress vs connection? When we do not connect in some way—with others, with community, or with our faith—we are more susceptible to wanting the "highs" that society tells us are important.

Of course, I am not saying that we shouldn’t enjoy what brings us pleasure, but we must be careful not to get absorbed in it to the point of big swings. With the fast-paced world, social media, and other factors, we can at times get lost or feel disconnected. We fall into:

• The comparison trap

• The "need for more" rabbit hole

• The "pressure to be more" prison

Today, I encourage you to connect more. To let go and to realize what is truly important in life. Perhaps call that friend, grab lunch or coffee with someone, start a conversation with a stranger, or just stop and slow down to see and enjoy what is right in front of you. You won’t regret it.

Have a great week,

-Dr. Chip