A Lifestyle Series: Social

It shouldn’t be a surprise that one of the most beneficial factors to our health is the social aspect. The tribalism trait runs pretty darn deep in our genetic makeup and psyche. I’m going to keep this article in the realm of training and sport-related. So, without much thought, I’m sure you can think up a few examples, but I’ll touch a couple I believe have a solid basis for why.

I know the local gym bro would tell you otherwise, but we are actually a physically weak species compared to many other predatory types. We don’t have thick, armored skin, no real claws or fangs, and not even venom we can utilize. The strongest physical part about us is that our body design (upright, movement mechanics, minimal hair, etc.) allows us to walk, jog, and run for long distances compared to other species; along with having highly efficient ways of not overheating (a.k.a. our sweat system). And I know this is a foreign thought nowadays because hardly anyone exercises, let alone does cardio-specific exercise. Especially when you think back to that time you said you’d start running consistently and then, after the first three minutes into the “jog” you feel like your whole system is shutting down, and you’re most likely going into cardiac arrest. Disclaimer, if you’re not used to it, it will suck… and even more so if you’ve been sedentary for a long time. Anyway, because of this weak build, we rely on being part of a tribe or community.

Now for my second point, I could dive into our mental state after prolonged solitary confinement, being labeled and treated like an outcast, or as simple as being actively ignored, which has a strong effect on someone. But I’m going a bit more light and performance focused. I want you to think back to a time that you needed to perform… if that’s a sport, a play, a speech, or even hitting a personal record on the bench press. At any point leading up to or during this event, did you talk to someone about it, get advice, or just have them present to cheer you on? It may be more anecdotal, but typically in whatever capacity is more your speed, having someone there can make enormous difference in the way we compete. Yes, a lot of the stuff we do can be labeled as a “lone sport.” However, this isn’t true at all.
Take boxing: it’s you vs. the other person in the ring. But you’re not seeing the last year or so with their coaches, trainers, and support group. I get it, no one can do the work for you; but remember they’re also putting in the work for you. And if you’ve ever competed in something that takes tons of training, nutrition manipulation, and more… you know there are a lot of ups and downs where other people come into play.

We are people who require a pack.
Regardless of your beliefs of how we came to be… creator or not, we are hardwired to be “social.”

We do better together. We push each other. We support each other. We teach each other.

This is why social-based organizations and identities are so powerful. Think about it: you join a gym, a sport, a class, and it starts to become part of your identity. Take a quick stroll on social media and you’ll find all different subcategories that people “belong” to. It gives you a sense of belonging, which is what we as humans strive for.
I have been doing Jiu-Jitsu for a couple of years now, and many of the people who join keep coming back because they’ve found a place where not only are they exercising and learning, but they’ve joined a community of welcoming people… and they’ve probably even made a few friends along the way. I know that a huge reason I kept showing up was because for a few hours a week I get to shoot the shit and train with a bunch of guys who are there for the same thing.

Before I wrap up, I want touch on the driving factor of why I chose social. In 1938 began one of the longest studies to this day, in the area of psychology. More specific, it began by following the lives of 700+ students from Harvard. It then developed into following their spouses and children. It is actively going to this day.

What they found in this study, is that those with high quality relationships lived healthier lives. Having better markers across the board compared to those of the study who were much more isolated. Having higher amounts of mental health issues and disease, and generally earlier health declines as well.

This doesn’t mean you need to make 100 new friends, it means you should focus on having high quality relationships… regardless of quantity.

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