According to Vivek Murthy, loneliness is a greater health risk than diabetes and heart conditions. Loneliness is the biggest single health risk we are now facing – exasperated by Covid.
We often think if we are more efficient, check more things off our to-do list, we will feel more satisfied, we will be more successful. Yet only being physically present for our loved ones (while checking the phone for incoming texts/social media updates, etc) actually can leave us feeling disconnected and ultimately lonely. Family and friends know when you are not present. They know when the pull of the phone takes priority over them. A great place to start is putting the phone down or leaving the desk and engaging in conversations the require you to be 100% present.
We feel better about life when we are more connected. Relationships matter! Be present!
Thoughts and reflections after listening to interview with Vivek Murthy – former Surgeon General in Obama Administration and lead for Biden’s Covid-19 Task Force
REFLECTION:
- Take an honest inventory. Where do relationships fit in to your daily life? Does work come first or do relationships?
- It is not an either or but an and… yet reflecting on your life are you fully present for the people who matter most to you?
- Are you able to put boundaries around your work or phone usage?
- Evaluate how present you are and decide what changes you commit to making in 2021. Your health and happiness depend on it!