The need for social connection is ingrained in our biology. From early humans working in groups to survive, to today’s collaborative workplaces and social networks, humans are hardwired to seek meaningful relationships. But in a world where we’re more “connected” than ever through technology, real, quality connections are becoming rarer. This article explores why and how to build authentic connections that foster well-being, resilience, and a sense of belonging.

In our fast-paced, demanding world, many of us are constantly striving to “survive” rather than truly thriving. Yet, flourishing is within reach for everyone willing to cultivate a balanced approach to life. With a focus on nurturing both mental and physical health, this article explores how to thrive — achieving growth, resilience, and an abundance of positive outcomes.

This week I am going to challenge you to actively avoid interruptions when you are doing important tasks or activities.

Starting the day with a workout is an ideal way to get your brain waves and blood flowing.

Mindfulness, or keeping your awareness in the here and now, is important for mental health and elite performance. The key is to stay in the moment in the face of distraction, no matter how great that distraction may be.

Quality sleep supports the immune system, aids in muscle recovery, and reduces the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. It also boosts concentration, memory, and problem-solving abilities​​.

But have you ever had an tough day at work, come home still firing on all cylinders, and then, in the hour before going to bed, found yourself fuming over the day’s events while also planning strategies for the next day?

Let’s focus on what we can do to thrive through a balanced relationship with technology. In your life, I’m guessing that doesn’t mean adding more technology time. Instead, my suggestion is to add some time to unplug and disconnect—so you can reconnect to your inner life and those that truly matter to you.

We have never been more connected via technology, yet at the same time we have never been so far apart. This strange relationship between connection via our devices and loneliness is made even harder to navigate given that different people have different needs for connection and experience connection differently. Let me explain.

Phytochemicals act as important antioxidants and induce hormesis—the adaptive stress-resistant process we are seeking to positively adapt to stress. These phytochemicals are potent free-radical scavengers and anti-inflammatory agents.

We all know that the macro-nutrients protein, carbohydrates and fats are all essential contributors to a healthy diet. To help you craft your nutrition plan, I want to remind you about adding healthy fats to your diet as fats still get a bad rap.

In the face of launching into a moment where you want to be your best, where you want to reach your peak, where you want to really reach your potential, there’s nothing harder than achieving a state of mental and emotional calm. And, in some ways, nothing more critical.

When we remind ourselves that exercise just feels good, and that after we do our activities we are often happier, that can help us overcome the inertia of lying on the couch and get some momentum to get up and out the door for our run.

Strength training leads to musculoskeletal fitness and can increase muscle mass and strength and improve body composition and bone health. All of which make your activities easier and more efficient.

Simply put – when we get strong, we can live better, and live longer!

A 2021 Harvard Health article adds to the mountain of scientific literature linking exercise and cognitive function and improved memory and thinking skills. Exercise boosts your memory and thinking skills by acting on both the body and on the brain.

Doing even just a little bit of physical activity will have huge benefits for your physical and mental health. And the activity does not have to rank up your heart rate or lactic acid to have benefits.

Light physical activity can have some powerful benefits. Here are a few examples and ideas to support that concept.