A simple way to improve your health (that’s not diet or exercise)

Lessons from an old Japanese proverb

I had my annual physical at the doctor’s a few days ago– I went to a new doctor because I didn’t like my old one (Note: Yes, if you don’t like your doctor you should switch! They are providing a service, and especially when it comes to your health, you should be working with individuals that care for you, and that you trust).

She was asking me a few routine questions about my lifestyle habits, and the topic of drinking came up. I told her I didn’t drink much and she was like, good! Less is better.

“If you hear that alcohol is good for your health, it’s probably the social aspects of drinking, not the drink itself. Drink with people, but I don’t encourage you to drink with people.”

It was the first time that I heard a doctor speak to me about the health benefits of a strong social community. Oftentimes I hear the usual on exercise, eating vegetables, not too much meat, etc. but not about our social health. After my appointment, I switched to her to be my primary care doctor.

There is strong evidence that having a strong social life is good for your health– not just mentally, but physically as well. In fact, the happiest and healthiest people on the planet are not necessarily the rich and famous, but those who have the highest quality relationships.

It reminded me of the old Japanese proverb,

Eaten alone, even sea bream does not taste delicious.

鯛も一人はうまからず (Taimo hitoriwa umakarazu)

Sea bream is a celebratory delicacy in Japanese cuisine, usually a prized centerpiece dish like a dry-aged ribeye or juicy, crispy turkey in American culture. But eaten alone, how good could something delicious taste?

Illustrations by Kaki Okumura

If you’re looking for a simple way to improve your health, one easy way to do that is to share your meals and snacks with others– make it an occasion! Quality over quantity, and by reshaping our relationship with food to not be dictated by macros or calorie count, we can find peace with our wellbeing.

Because is that not the whole point of good health, to enjoy life?

Warmly,

Kaki

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