Amazing Friends, Great Yoga, Better Health
Oprah and Gayle. Laverne & Shirley, Calvin and Hobbes. Han and Chewie.
Friends! Someone to hang out with, confide in, and bounce ideas off of. That’s what these pairs are.
Research has shown that strong social ties are key to happiness and general well-being.
In his book Blue Zones, Dan Buettner examined several geographic areas around the world where communities of people had lower rates of chronic disease and lived longer lives. These areas were geographically diverse (Costa Rica, Greece, Italy, California & Japan) with one throughline, regardless of whether people were eating sushi or spaghetti squash, was friendship or social connections. Dan and his team were curious why these communities lived longer (we’re talking living to 90 or 100 years old!). They found several contributing factors: having a purpose, natural movement, sleep, spirituality, nutrition, and healthy social networks (real ones, not online) lived longer.
From Blue Zones:
“The world’s longest-lived people chose – or were born into – social circles that supported healthy behaviors. Okinawans created the moai –groups of five friends who commit to each other for life. Research shows that smoking, obesity, happiness, and even loneliness are contagious. So the social networks of long-lived people have favorably shaped their health behaviors.”
From the Mayo Clinic:
“Good friends are good for your health. Friends can help you celebrate good times and provide support during bad times. Friends prevent feelings of isolation and loneliness. They also give us a chance to offer companionship to others. Friends can increase your sense of belonging and purpose, improve your self-confidence & self-worth, and promote your overall health. Adults with strong social connections have a reduced risk of significant health problems, including depression, high blood pressure, and an unhealthy body mass index (BMI). Studies have found that older adults with meaningful relationships and social support are likely to live longer than peers with fewer connections.”
We know that yoga is good for us, but yoga with friends is even better for us! It's why the entire month of April is Flow with Friends month at Rooted Yoga!
Monthly & Annual Members use your drop-in perk to practice with a friend and get entered to win a $20 Rooted gift card.
Anyone can enjoy one $10 drop-in class this month.
Join one of our workshops or our Wellness Retreat