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- entangle weekly 7
Welcome to the issue number seven of entangled weekly, a information-packed newsletter that helps readers use science-based tools to improve their life - being it productivity, focus or general well-being.
In this issue, we will take a look at the importance of human relationships, how they effect our lives and what is needed to create and nurture the connection with the people around you.
Sure, this topic may seem to differ from the topics we studied previous issues, but I assure you that it is more connected to your wellbeing than you might think.
So come on in, entangle yourself with the science and benefits of positive relationships!
What can i learn today?
Relationships & wellbeing
In a world increasingly mediated by screens and virtual interactions, the scientific study of human relationships offers profound insights into our health, happiness, and even survival. From the bonds shared between family members to the connections we forge with friends and colleagues, these relationships are not mere social constructs but foundational elements of our well-being.
Biological Benefits: Scientific research underscores the biological advantages of strong social ties. Studies suggest that robust human connections can boost our immune system, lower rates of anxiety and depression, and even extend our lifespan. For instance, a sense of belonging and intimacy is linked with lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, thereby reducing the strain on our physical health.
Psychological Perks: On the psychological front, relationships serve as a mirror, reflecting our values, beliefs, and emotions. They provide emotional support, foster self-esteem, and contribute to a sense of purpose and belonging. The interactions we have with others can also stimulate our brains, encouraging cognitive growth and resilience against mental decline with age.
Social and Economic Impact: Beyond the individual, relationships influence social structures and economic outcomes. Strong social networks can lead to greater job opportunities, enhanced productivity, and improved societal cohesion. Moreover, communities with high levels of social capital tend to have better health outcomes and lower rates of crime, underscoring the broader societal benefits of nurturing human connections.
Evolutionary Angle: From an evolutionary perspective, the inclination towards forming and maintaining social bonds has been a critical factor in human survival. Our ancestors relied on group cohesion for finding food, protection against predators, and raising offspring. This evolutionary legacy shapes our modern craving for social interaction and underlines the adaptive value of relationships.
Emotional Intelligence and Relationships: The science of human relationships also intersects with the study of emotional intelligence (EI). EI, the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions and those of others, plays a pivotal role
What do clever pople say about this?
The significant predictor of well-being isn't merely being in a relationship but the quality of these relationships. High-quality relationships are associated with better health outcomes compared to being single or in low-quality relationships. This association is stronger for mental health, indicating the importance of relationship quality over mere relationship status (McCabe, Cummins, & Romeo, 1996).
Groundbreaking research highlights that the greening of relationship science has enormous potential for understanding human behavior and improving the human condition. It calls for an expansion beyond traditional individualistic perspectives, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach to study relationships (Berscheid, 1999).
Studies utilizing both self-report and observer-based measures have found robust associations between the quantity of social interactions and well-being, highlighting the importance of both social engagement and the depth of conversations for enhanced well-being (Sun, Harris, & Vazire, 2019).
Research has also explored the integration of attachment theory with health processes, proposing a theoretical model that links dyadic relationship processes with health outcomes. This model suggests that fulfilling attachment needs within relationships can lead to improved health outcomes, underscoring the importance of attachment as a fundamental organizational framework for understanding the nexus between relationships and health (Pietromonaco, Uchino, & Dunkel Schetter, 2013).
Listen to the James Altucher show, where he sums up results of a long-span research on human relationships.
Reishi
What is it?
Reishi, scientifically known as Ganoderma lucidum, is a type of medicinal mushroom that has been used in traditional Asian medicine for centuries due to its health-promoting properties.
Research has identified several bioactive components in Reishi, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids, peptides, and proteins, which contribute to its wide array of health benefits.
What does it do?
Anti-Cancer Properties: Reishi has been shown to suppress the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, suggesting it may serve as a natural inhibitor for breast cancer (Zhang, 2017).
Immune Modulation: It exhibits potential therapeutic effects for inflammatory breast cancer by affecting survival and proliferative signaling pathways that act on translation, indicating its role as a non-toxic, selective anti-cancer agent.
Antioxidant Capacity and Lactogenic Properties: Heat treatment of Reishi enhances its β-glucan solubility, antioxidant capacity, and lactogenic properties, offering health benefits beyond its raw form (Kiss et al., 2021).
Hepatoprotective Effects: Reishi demonstrates protective effects against liver toxicity, potentially through its antioxidant properties, indicating its usefulness in treating liver diseases (Wu et al., 2013).
Hypotensive and Neurometabolic Effects: It has been observed to have hypotensive effects in hypertensive rat models, suggesting a potential for Reishi in managing high blood pressure (Shevelev et al., 2018).
Neuroprotective and Antimicrobial Activities: Reishi can significantly reduce epilepsy-induced neuronal apoptosis, offering protection to the nervous system. Additionally, it has antimicrobial properties against various pathogens, further broadening its health benefits (Yan-long, 2012; Karwa & Rai, 2012).
Danny Matranga, fitness guru running great, information packed podcast has included reishi in his 2024 top supplements list. find out more here:
Worth your focus
Rian Doris talks about getting work done in a record breaking time. Watch here.
Subscribe to this great channel Sense of Mind, for great insights on productivity and behaviour from the view of neuroscience.
I’ve created a guide to improve your productivity using science-backed methods, you can find it here
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About me
I seek new skills and tricks to learn so I can optimize my daily routines to get maximum possible time and attention for doing the things i love - like playing with my son, being in nature and reading interesting things.