This week on The Natural High Life we’re diving into one of the most powerful natural highs available to us: human connection.

In a world where we’re constantly online, connected and contactable, many of us are quietly feeling more disconnected than ever. We explore loneliness, belonging, vulnerability, friendship, community and the science behind why meaningful relationships are essential for our health, happiness and longevity.

We also chat about:

• Why giving up alcohol does not mean giving up the fun or the craic
• Feeling sick when you’re no longer constantly hungover - our Sober Hot Topic this week
• Why sober laughs somehow hit even harder
• Deep meaningful conversations (DMCs) without the drink
• The shame and silence often tied to loneliness
• Our honest meditation recap from last week: what worked, what absolutely did not, and how we’re adapting our practices to suit us individually

This episode explores fascinating research around social connection including:

• The Harvard Study of Adult Development
• The “Blue Zones” longevity research by Dan Buettner
• Johann Hari’s Lost Connections
• The nervous system’s “tend and befriend” response
• Why loneliness impacts our health as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day

One of our favourite reminders from this episode:

This Week’s Invitation

Try:

1 Connection A Day

Swap out a text for a phone call.
Make eye contact.
Start a conversation.
Ask someone how they really are - and wait for the answer.

Small moments of connection matter more than we think.

Resources & References

Books

• Lost Connections by Johann Hari
• The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner

Documentary

• Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones (Netflix)

Upcoming Event

Join us for our upcoming Quit Your Wine-ing in-person event in Cork City on Sunday, May 24th at Aye from 3.30pm

• Register Here

Food, laughs, meaningful conversations and connection with like-minded people. Come exactly as you are. 💛

High Lifer Discounts:
Doctrine Skincare.
This is an exclusive discount for our Natural High Lifer Listeners. Doctrine Skincare have offered this across season 1 - 15% discount across all full priced and full sized products. Use code TNHL15 and enjoy.

This is an exclusive discount for our Natural High Lifer Listeners. Doctrine Skincare have offered this across season 1 - 15% discount across all full priced and full sized products.