Thursday, December 11, 2008

Social Networks and Obesity and Health

We've all heard the phrase "birds of a feather flock together"...well this is an old-fashioned way to talk about social networking. Today we call it Law of Attraction!

Social networks typically mean a group of people who gather together...who spen time in each others' company...for the purpose of having fun--socializing.

When we do this, typically we seek out people with whom we have something in common...

What does this have to do with obesity and health? All too often, we will associate with others who are of similar size and/or have similar health habits. If you love junk food, you might not have much in common with a person who is a total health food nut. Of if you don't exercise, your path might cross that of a fitness buff.

Our task is to broaden our scope of friends as we narrow our girth! Surround yourself with people who are generally happy and healthy and it will increase your chances of being happy and healthy, too.

Scientists have actually documented this phenomenon and claim that these habits are actually "contagious"...so if you don't want to "catch" unhealthy habits, minimize your time around people who participate in them and increase your time with people who have healthy habits.

If you are having trouble locating people in your area to support your healthy lifestyle, go ahead and check out some of the social networking trends online--like this blog, and places like Facebook, and forums. Finds groups of like-minded people who will support you in your goals!

No comments: