As we closed last week’s blog addressing the 8th lesson learned from the Blue Zones, Loved Ones First, we stated that If one’s family of origin is not known or available, creating one’s own family of connections is important. This week we are going to discuss this more fully in addressing the 9th lesson learned, Right Tribe.
It was found that the Blue Zone centenarians were either born into or chose individuals who practiced healthy lifestyle behaviors. Other research, such as the Framingham Studies, also found that “smoking, obesity, happiness, and even loneliness is contagious.” This translates into our social network has a key impact on our quality of health and longevity.
The point of being able to choose one’s social network is important to consider and think about. We are the ones who decide who we allow into our social network and consequently the impact that they may have on us. Any choice that we make creates new outcomes in our lives. Being conscious and prepared for this impact will help us navigate our future.
This past year of social change has created the climate for changes in our “tribe”. We may have reflected that we have changed and that some of our old tribe may not fit anymore into the lifestyle that we are choosing. We also may have found that we want to connect with new individuals who will encourage our favorable healthy behaviors. While this change in our tribe can be anxiety producing it can be well-worth the lessons learned. With individuals that we have worked with, sustainable change was enhanced by the support and encouragement of their social network. This also allowed them the opportunity to be supportive and giving to others, which enhanced their ability to care for others.
Key Takeaways
Tribes are fluid, they can be changed.
Prepare for the changes.
Lifestyle choices are contagious.
Best Practices
Be willing to be a change agent.
Have an open mind to changing.
Choose sustainable lifestyle changes.
Things to Limit
Putting off tomorrow what needs to be done today.
Anchors within your tribe.
Not willing to say Hello or Goodbye.
The internal push back and burden that you place on yourself.
Quote of the Week
“Life presents many choices, the choices we make determine our future”
~ Catherine Pulsifer
As we reflect on the composition of our tribe, it is important to keep a resilient mindset. Essentially knowing that there will be difficult and questioning moments and that we will need to keep focused. Having a solid trusting tribe is such a nourishing gift that you can give to yourself and to others.
Be well,
The paraDocs
Check our Welcome Greeting on YouTube
The paraDocs are Dr. Francis L. Battisti, PhD, Psychotherapist, Distinguished Psychology Professor and former Executive V.P and Chief Academic Officer and Dr. Helen E. Battisti PhD, RDN, CDN, Chief Nutrition Officer, at SpNOD, Health Promotion Specialist, Research and Clinical Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and former Assistant Professor.
We have developed "The ZONE", because that is exactly where you want to be during this pandemic. A place of focused attention to doing exactly what needs to be done to get you to where you need to be. The purpose of The Zone is to provide a nationally distributed weekly mental-health and nutrition tip-sheet during times of change.
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