391: The Rabbit Effect with Dr. Kelli Harding

Loneliness, living alone and poor social connections are as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It’s worse for you than obesity. And you’re much more likely to suffer from dementia, heart disease, and depression if you’re isolated and alone(1). The importance of social connections and touch has been proven in both human and animal models, but the solution is much less obvious.

How do combat the loneliness epidemic? My guest on this week’s show has some excellent ideas.

Listen & Learn: 

• How loneliness is one of the biggest risk factors for all-cause mortality
• The difference between feeling alone and feeling isolated
• How positive social connection is more important than just social connection
• Why education and volunteering can be simple ways to find connection  
• How our digital age is making loneliness the norm 

Links & Resources:

• Dr. Harding’s Site
• The Rabbit Effect Book

About Our Guest:
Dr. Kelli Harding is a board-certified psychiatrist focused on emotional wellbeing and the interplay between mental and physical health. She’s the author of THE RABBIT EFFECT: Live Longer, Happier, and Healthier with the Groundbreaking Science of Kindness.   

Nutritional Tip of the Week:

• Meat-Only Diet

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