Articles By Pillar
Read the latest blog posts from lifestyle medicine experts at Stanford University covering health topics across our 7 pillars.
How to Make New Friends in Midlife and Beyond
By Sharon Brock, MS, MEd Perhaps you’re an empty nester, newly retired, or you’ve moved to a new city—there are many reasons why you may want to build community in the later chapters of life. Making new friends is not just about improving your quality of life; research shows that strong social connections are associated with longevity and reduced risk of illness (such as anxiety, depression, diabetes, dementia, and heart disease). “We have evolved as a social species. In 95...
“Social Connection in America” Report Shows Grim Results
By M. Javad Ershad, MD A new survey, "Social Connection in America™," conducted by a team of researchers led by Professor Julianne Holt-Lunstad, and funded by the Barnes Family Foundation, provides a new nationwide picture of how Americans relate to one another. The “Social Connection in America™” survey was developed as a tool to provide insight and long-term direction regarding the country's social connections. It will run for 25 years and aligns with numerous federal data sources, providing policymakers with...
How to Use Technology to Strengthen Social Connections
By Sophie Burnet, BS and Sharon Brock, MS, MEd Whether it’s watching your children scroll for hours on their phones or your spouse glued to YouTube videos into the night, you might see technology as an obstacle for social connection. While we know that meaningful social engagement and warm connections are essential to our wellbeing, there also may be a fear that technology—particularly artificial intelligence (AI)—will cause further damage to our already fraying social fabric. “AI is powerful, and if...
Building Community with Rusly Harsono, MD
By Madison Brown Stanford pediatric critical care physician, Rusly Harsono, MD, is an active member of the Social Engagement pillar of Stanford Lifestyle Medicine. To put his value of social connection into action, Dr. Harsono organizes six community events annually as a volunteer, bringing the community together to share research-backed information on lifestyle medicine to promote health, happiness, and longevity. Dr. Harsono first started volunteering while in medical school and has continued ever since because of the way it made...
What is Equanimity and How Can it Improve Difficult Relationships?
By Sharon Brock, MS, MEd Many have heard of the book “The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins, but most don’t realize that the theory is influenced by an ancient mindfulness concept called equanimity. Equanimity can be defined as non-reactivity, emotional stability, or a steadiness of mind. We are equanimous when we remain calm and composed, especially during challenging conversations or situations. Achieving resilience and balance amidst life’s challenges is the north star for many mindfulness practitioners. “There is a...