PHW Newsletter - Edition 9

A Word from Kaylee Digby, APRN

Achieving Purpose Through Connection

At PHW we know the significance of lifestyle support, but we also acknowledge the value and power that intentional community and connection can have on one’s health. Over the last few years, we have recognized the power of connection, or unfortunately, what the lack of connection can do to our health. People all over the globe were isolated in a way that we were not designed for, subjected to the confines of our homes with little human connection or community. Unfortunately for some, this led to an increase in loneliness, depression, anxiety, and even health conditions.

Several health organizations have acknowledged that social isolation and loneliness can substantially increase the risk of many medical conditions. A recent PubMed study concluded, “From the current body of medical research, it is evident that social connection has substantial impacts in many categories of health from weight management, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and depression.” Some psychiatrists go so far as comparing social connection to vitamins: “just as we need vitamin C each day, we also need a dose of the human moment—positive contact with other people” (Martino, Jessica et al., 2015).

Sub-optimal states of health typically do not occur overnight, but rather are influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that impact the body over time. It takes intentional effort to get to the root cause of some of that disruption, which can admittedly be very discouraging and hard work. This is where purpose and human connection have such a big impact.

An individual’s purpose plays a key role in motivating them through challenging seasons of health. At PHW, we have positioned Purpose as the foundation for which the 5 Pillars of Health stand upon due to its substantial impact on motivating meaningful change. Oxford Languages defines Purpose as “the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.” This simple, yet profound, definition sets the groundwork for optimal health and wellbeing.

Quality relationships and human connection can be life-giving, contributing to a sense of community, belonging, and support for our mind, body, and soul. Sharing our purpose with others or even connecting with them on the value of living a healthy lifestyle can be motivating, uplifting, and encouraging.

Here are just a few ways to strive for healthy connections:

• Be honest, kind, true, genuine, and authentic with others
• Know what is important to you (values, morals, health, etc.) and surround yourself with people with the same interests
• Be proactive. Set goals for connection and schedule out social engagements.
• Reciprocation – Be compassionate, attentive, empathetic, and understanding when others are going through hard things
• Recognize your limits and set boundaries when appropriate in negative or hurtful relationships

In some seasons, this support may look mutual in your connection with others, while in other seasons you may be the one suffering and in need of additional encouragement and nurturing. Our desire at PHW is to partner with you in your health journey through continued support and encouragement as you strive to work toward the purpose you were created for.

Challenge for the Week: Fill out the Cultivating Purpose Handout linked below and share your answers with someone close to you.