Good relationships – the key to a healthy and happy long life: Insights from the Harvard study

"Good relationships – the key to a healthy and happy long life: Insights from the Harvard study"

What is the secret to a happy and healthy life? According to Dr. Robert Waldinger, leader of the longest study on adult life, the answer is not wealth or fame, but warm personal relationships. "The Harvard Study of Adult Development" emphasizes the importance of good relationships for both mental and physical health. 

The Mind Balance System sees these insights as a valuable confirmation of our work and mission.

Strong relationships are key to a longer and healthier life

In 1938, Harvard Medical School began following 724 men, systematically examining their physical and emotional well-being. Subsequently, these men's spouses and children were also included in the study. The conclusion is as follows: 

• People who have secure and close relationships are more likely to experience a sense of joy and better mental and physical health than those who feel they have too few close and warm relationships. 

• People who have secure and close relationships live longer. 

The simple explanation, according to Waldinger, is that when we have close and secure relationships, we can talk about the things that fill or pressure us in our lives. When we feel seen and heard in a safe relationship, we can let our guard down, and return to a natural state of balance.

MBS: A modern approach to relational skills

Mind Balance System is dedicated to developing and strengthening relational skills. Our unique relationship analysis and training programs are designed to identify and address the specific factors highlighted by the Harvard study: The ability to create and maintain good relationships.

By focusing on "inner peace" and "mental balance," we help leaders and employees build the human connections that are crucial for a healthy workplace and a healthier life.

From theory to practice

Mads Elk, Director of Mind Balance System, comments: "Robert Waldinger gave a TED Talk in 2016 about the conclusions from the Harvard study. This presentation has since become one of the most-watched TED Talks, with over 25 million views on YouTube. I believe this is because the conclusion from the Harvard study resonates with most of us. Many people feel either lonely or not sufficiently nourished by the relationships they have. It is partly with this knowledge that we have shaped our training programs, not just to improve work environments, but to strengthen the most important factor for happiness and health in life in general.

Invest in relationships, invest in life

The Harvard study shows that investing in relationships is an investment in our health and overall well-being. At Mind Balance System, we use these principles to offer the opportunity to realize greater potential in people and organizations through improved relational dynamics. Mind Balance System offers tools and support for those who wish to focus on well-being, supported by science and practical techniques.

We encourage all organizations to strengthen the quality of their working relationships and to take shared responsibility for creating a healthier and more satisfying work environment.

For further insight and details, see Robert Waldinger's inspiring TED Talk: 

What Makes a Good Life? TED TALK: https://www.ted.com/talks/robert_waldinger_what_makes_a_good_life_lessons_from_the_longest_study_on_happiness?hasSummary=true

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To learn more about how your workplace can work with Mind Balance System, please read more on our website or contact Mind Balance System for a consultation.

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