Have you ever noticed how your behaviors, mannerisms, and speech often shift when you begin to spend time with new people? Believe it or not, this is a trait that we have developed over time as a tool for survival. This enables us to feel a sense of kinship and belonging to the social network that surrounds us. Surprisingly, this sense of inclusion can play a larger role in our health.
How? If we perceive ourselves as being different from the group we surround ourselves with, it can lead to feelings of social rejection and loneliness. Studies have shown that those who feel they are alone have an increase in inflammation, a decrease in immunities, and a greater likelihood of developing a chronic illness. Read More