🌟 Who Do You Surround Yourself With? 🌟
As a strength and conditioning coach, I often talk about the importance of regular exercise and fuelling your body… But do you ever think about the role that our social connections play in shaping our well-being and performance?
Just like proper nutrition and exercise, the people we surround ourselves with have the power to either drain our energy or uplift us to new heights. So, ask yourself, are the people around you energy vampires or energy givers?
Research conducted by psychologists at Harvard University (Smith & Christakis, 2008) has shown that our social networks significantly impact our overall health and happiness. Their study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, revealed that emotions and behaviors (both positive and negative) can spread through social networks like contagious viruses. In other words, the people we interact with can influence our emotions, motivation, and well-being.
Surrounding yourself with energy givers, individuals who radiate positivity, support, and encourage personal growth, can have tremendous benefits on your mental and physical state. These energy givers ignite inspiration, reinforce your drive, and provide a strong support system. Research published in the journal Science (Cacioppo, Fowler, & Christakis, 2009) has shown that having positive social interactions not only enhances well-being but also boosts immune function, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, and promotes longevity.
On the flip side, interacting extensively with energy vampires, individuals who constantly drain your energy, can hinder your progress. Negative emotions and pessimistic attitudes can spread like wildfire in social networks, leaving you feeling depleted and demoralized. Research conducted by the University of California, San Diego (Fowler & Christakis, 2009) found that negative emotions such as sadness, stress, and even obesity can ripple through social connections.
So how can you ensure that you surround yourself with the right kind of people? Begin by reflecting on the relationships that currently fill your life. Seek out individuals who possess characteristics aligned with your goals and values. Look for those who offer constructive criticism, challenge you to grow, and genuinely celebrate your successes.
In addition to cultivating relationships with energy givers, it's essential to become an energy giver yourself. Be the positive force that inspires and uplifts those around you. It's a reciprocal process: as you give, you will receive.
Remember, just as you choose your exercises to strengthen your body, you can also choose the people who support your well-being. Surround yourself with individuals who radiate positivity, encourage personal growth, and fuel your drive. Together, you'll create an uplifting and empowering social network that propels you towards success.
#SurroundYourselfWithEnergyGivers #PositivityBreedsPositivity
References:
Smith, K. P., & Christakis, N. A. (2008). Social networks and health. New England Journal of Medicine, 358(4), 369-374.
Cacioppo, J. T., Fowler, J. H., & Christakis, N. A. (2009). Alone in the crowd: The structure and spread of loneliness in a large social network. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 97(6), 977-991.
