Healthy relationships are a vital component of health. The health risks from being alone or isolated in one’s life are comparable to the risks associated with cigarette smoking, blood pressure, and obesity.

(Nothing better than photobombing friends)

Research shows that:

• People who have a strong social network tend to live longer.
• The heart and blood pressure of people with healthy relationships respond better to stress.
• Strong social networks are associated with a healthier endocrine system and healthier cardiovascular functioning.
• Healthy social networks enhance the immune system’s ability to fight off infectious diseases.

(We laughed, we cried, we sang, we stank…we ran 206.8 miles)

How can you increase your healthy relationships? Here are some ideas to help you.

• Work out. Joining a gym or an exercise group allows you to meet new people while exercising. Attend some local run sessions at a local track, run with a group training for an upcoming marathon etc.
• Take a walk with your pet. Starting a walking routine after dinner would not only give you another opportunity to be physically active, but it would also create more opportunities for you to meet your neighbors. Okay, don’t worry about running now, just enjoy the time with your four legged friends.
• Volunteer. Donate some of your time and hard work to a charity. You’ll feel good about the cause, and you’ll meet others with similar passions. Volunteer to help out a local race, Race Directors are always looking for people to help out. Run for a charity.
• Find others who share your interests. Such as hiking, painting, scrapbooking, running, etc. Join a local run club, go to meetings, share your experiences, train with others and run on a relay team.
• Coach someone, If you’re an experienced runner, offer to coach someone who is new or who is trying to reach new running distances.

Some health risks you can’t do anything about, others you can…….