👯 Social Fitness? Call me Hercules!

Good morning! Hoping this week is treating you well. I am living for open windows every morning and evening. 🪟 

Just a heads up—I may or may not send out a newsletter next week. Big weekend ahead, so we’ll see how it goes and if I have time and energy to do a good newsletter. If not, I’ll see you in your inbox in October! 😱 👻 

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As we saw in last week’s newsletter, Outlook and Connection play a major role in longevity. In fact, they comprised half of Buettner’s circle of Blue Zone characteristics.

We know that loneliness tragically shortens lifespan and is a predictor for disease and poor health as we age. We simply can’t escape our biology, and we are hardwired to need, love, and connect with other people.

Inversely, purpose, fulfillment, “Ikigai,” a “plan de vida,” community, service, and deep relationships prolong lifespan. And they obviously improve quality of life as well, as many would argue these are what make life worth living.

So, go make friends. Live longer and better. We’re done here, right?

Unfortunately it’s not that easy. My bet is that if most of us could either make more friends or deepen our relationships with the snap of our fingers, we’d do it 10 times out of 10. But I think you already know what I’m about to say: Relationships take work, and they take time.

Do not interpret this newsletter as a call to use relationships with others as a means to the end of a longer life. Don’t use people, and I beg you, avoid boiling relationships down to formulas. That’s a recipe for heartbreak, disaster, and long-term loneliness.

With that disclaimer, it might be helpful to view this aspect of our lives as “social fitness.” Without defining it, I think whatever it means to you is… probably what it means to you.

Take stock. How socially fit are you right now? Strong as an ox? Like my poor plant in the corner that is clearly dead but I refuse to throw away? Aight, but could be better? Probably somewhere in there.

While they play a large part, not 100% of your health will come from the gym or the kitchen. It will also come from the table of 8 you’re sitting at for the long-overdue catch-up or celebration. From your favorite neighborhood shop. From your house of worship. From sitting in a room with 3 or 4 generations over the holidays. From hitting the dance floor like there’s no tomorrow. From uncontrollable laughter over a dumb card game. From your community band or choir. From saying hi to the neighbor you know by name, even if that’s all you say.

We can not discount the vital role our social life plays in our wellbeing. For just a snapshot without diving too deep, different aspects of a good social life can improve blood pressure and inflammation, mental health struggles, happiness, and fulfillment, all while reducing our risk of basically all chronic diseases.

Take drinking for example. Realistically, no amount of alcohol is “good” for your health. However, if you’re using it as a joy, a connector, a “social lubricant,” if you will—the benefits of positive socializing with loved ones and strangers alike can outweigh the detriments. (In moderation, of course. Hard to enjoy relationships with your head over the toilet. 🚽)

Please, dear reader, do not be afraid to enjoy your life. Do not shame yourself for going “off plan” with your workouts or diets when you are prioritizing relationships and your social life. Stay disciplined 80–90% of the time, maintain that for a long time, and you’ll do exceptionally well. Enjoy the wedding, cruise, potluck, parade, or late night milkshake run to the fullest extent, so you can make memories to laugh at when you’re 90. And those laughs will push you to 100, with the cutest little smile lines.

And hey, sometimes social fitness and actual fitness combine. At Oktoberfest in Richmond this past weekend, I got runner-up in the Friday night stein-holding contest, with a time of over 7 (SEVEN) minutes! (I would’ve won on Sunday with that time, but I’m not as salty as the pretzel I had afterward). See the snapshot below for when fitness meets fun.

Will I live longer for doing that? Who can say? Did it bring joy and happiness and memories with friends? Sure did. And heck, it made me realize I miss competing. Maybe I’ll look for more opportunities for friendly competition, and continue building relationships along the way.

Social fitness is an essential aspect of your health. Don’t neglect it. Be the friend who makes some plans. Research “events/fun things to do in {your area}” to see where you can go make some memz. You just might end up feeling fitter—and more fulfilled—than ever.

Prost!

✅ Take Action

Every newsletter's Take Action section will invite you to take small steps to improve your health. Recognizing that we all have different capabilities, I'll offer three different levels of action you can choose to take.

Level 1: Do some reflection. Create some metrics for yourself around social fitness. Where are you doing great, and where could you improve?

Level 2: Reach out to a friend or the group text that’s been too quiet. Make a plan to hang (even virtually) and actually follow through!

Level 3: Best of both worlds? Find an active social activity to enjoy! Hiking with friends or a club, a dance class, a weightlifting buddy, or apple picking. Whatever will bring joy to you!

This newsletter is brought to you by… me!

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Know someone else who might be? I’d love to get to know you and/or your business and see how we can partner together. Reply to this email!

✍️ Drew's Picks:

• Listen: All my recs this week are just various episodes of the podcast “Life Kit” by NPR!

  • “What to know about the new covid boosters”

  • “How to avoid ‘lifestyle creep’”

  • “Fiber is a dietary superhero”

  • “Scarfing down your food? Here’s how to slow down and eat more mindfully”

  • ^Great stuff here, and I’m working through previous episodes that interest me, so may have more to share in the future!

Get out and get social this week, friends! Friendly reminder that next week’s newsletter is still up in the air. Talk soon!

Keep moving,

Drew

The content in Move to Improve is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. It is always a good idea to consult with a trusted health professional before making any major lifestyle changes that could have a significant impact on your health. This is not a medical resource, and any opinions and articles are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. They are not substitutes for consulting a qualified medical professional. Please think critically and take what I say with a grain of salt (aka don’t sue me).