Northern Reflections on Health

The art and science of thankfulness

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This is a guest post by my colleague, Monica Karal.

The art and science of thankfulnessStopping momentarily to recognize the good in our lives, and to quietly give thanks, is like watching a sunrise illuminate the day. It sheds light on the good things so we can enjoy and nurture them, and helps dispel the darkness or dissatisfaction with what we supposedly lack.

In a culture where ads try to convince us we always need more, and some sectors of society purportedly have an entitlement mentality, it’s worthwhile to step back and reflect on who we are, what we have, and what really satisfies.Continue Reading

Lonely no more

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Loneliness no moreWith the explosion of technology, we seem to be more connected to each other than ever – but chronic loneliness is becoming a widespread health concern.

Why do we feel so lonely? Numerous changes in society are cited as the cause. We’re more mobile – many live far away from family and friends. A growing reliance on the social side of technology means less personal contact. This can lead to the breakdown of what were once considered common civic and community affairs that led to lasting relationships!

Research tells us that we are “social animals”. As such, we need to feel connected to someone. From a young age we are encouraged to develop relationships – some of which last for a lifetime. But not all relationships qualify as a satisfactory connection for our emotional health – some friends may actually be “frenemies” or may give us inconsistent emotional support. Continue Reading

The health of a marriage – is individual wholeness the key?

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MarriageWith the recent passing of former First Lady Nancy Reagan, much of the press has highlighted the benefits of the strong marriage bond between her and President Ronald Reagan. Her devotion to him was integral to his success and his career. (See “Nancy Reagan was her husband’s indispensable force” Christian Science Monitor)

The advantages of marriage – watching out for one another, providing emotional support in times of trouble, sharing the workload of a household and family responsibilities – translate, research suggests, into health-giving benefits.

However, many of us are happy singles with solid friendships, a life of purpose and a sensible diet and lifestyle – all things that we are told lead to a long and healthy life.

And, that’s probably a good trend because the status of marriage is troubled. Continue Reading

Internet addiction? Find freedom with the right connection

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Can we value relationships better without the internet?
Can we value relationships better without the internet?

You’ve probably been in a restaurant lately, and seen two people sitting across from one another, busy responding to text messages or working on IPads in front of them. I thought restaurants are where you go to eat and socialize!

Do the Internet and all the personal devices make us feel more connected to each other? It would seem so, except studies show that we are actually disconnecting from important relationships – parent/child, husband/wife, friend to friend. And I think we know we are letting this happen.Continue Reading