5 Reasons Why Community Matters

5 Reasons Why Community and Belonging Matters
By: Ben S. Fogel
Community and belonging play crucial roles in our lives and have a significant impact on our overall well-being and lifespan. Human beings are inherently social creatures, and our need for connection and a sense of belonging is deeply ingrained in us. Here’s why community and belonging are important and how they correlate with lifespan:

1. Social support: Being part of a community provides us with social support, which is vital for our mental, emotional, and physical health. Strong social connections have been linked to lower rates of anxiety, depression, and stress. When we have a support network around us, we can better cope with life’s challenges, such as illness, loss, and adversity, which can ultimately lead to improved health outcomes and a longer lifespan.
2. Sense of purpose and identity: Belonging to a community gives us a sense of purpose and identity. It provides us with a framework for understanding ourselves in relation to others and the world around us. When we have a sense of purpose and a clear identity within a community, we tend to have higher self-esteem, greater life satisfaction, and a more positive outlook on life. These psychological factors can contribute to better overall health and a longer lifespan.
3. Health behaviors: Communities often share common values, norms, and behaviors. Belonging to a community that promotes healthy lifestyles can have a positive impact on our own health behaviors. For example, if we are part of a community that values physical activity and healthy eating, we are more likely to engage in those behaviors ourselves. Adopting and maintaining healthy habits, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet can significantly contribute to a longer and healthier life.
4. Reducing isolation and loneliness: Loneliness and social isolation have been associated with adverse health effects, including increased mortality rates. When individuals feel disconnected and lack social interactions, it can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and stress, which can have detrimental effects on both mental and physical health. Conversely, being part of a community helps combat loneliness by providing opportunities for social interaction, fostering meaningful relationships, and creating a support system.
5. Cognitive stimulation: Engaging with a community provides opportunities for cognitive stimulation and intellectual growth. Interacting with others, participating in group activities, and sharing knowledge and experiences can help keep our minds active and sharp. A mentally stimulating environment has been linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline and conditions such as dementia, ultimately contributing to a longer lifespan.

Community and belonging are essential for our well-being and have a strong correlation with lifespan. Being part of a supportive community provides social support, a sense of purpose and identity, promotes healthy behaviors, reduces loneliness and isolation, and offers cognitive stimulation. By nurturing our connections and fostering a sense of belonging, we can improve our overall quality of life and increase our chances of living longer and healthier lives.

Check out what Jane H. says what keeps her coming back to Epic Fitness (it turns out it’s our amazing community of Rockstars!).

Ready to experience a community of like-minded humans that are all around to support YOU?!  Check out our 14 Day Kickstart where you can experience it all for yourself:

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