How can conviviality make us healthier?

Deeply rooted in Arab culture, conviviality means eating and feasting in good company. Arabs are very good at creating happy moments every day, with no need for special occasions. Friends and family members get together to talk for hours, listen to music, play cards or backgammon and, of course, eat. Sociability and warm-heartedness are not only essential to the Arabs’ way of life, but they’re also protective of their health.

According to the Harvard Study of Adult Development, loneliness is the biggest threat to our health, and luckily it doesn’t happen as much in the Arab world as in Western societies. People who prioritize the social connections with their family, their friends and their community are happier and physically healthier than those who are less connected. Indeed, loneliness feels just as painful as getting physically hurt and being isolated often leads to illness and unhappiness.

Arabs live in tight-knit communities, which gives them a sense of purpose. Indeed, it has been proven that centenarians put their families first. They keep ageing parents and grandparents nearby, commit to a life partner and invest in their children. Socializing strengthens ties within the community and therefore is also very beneficial to one’s wellbeing.

Take action: in the coming week, try to plan a fun gathering with family or friends!

But being socially connected isn’t enough, it’s the quality of our relationships that matters most. Having positive interactions with the people around us and our friends on social media is crucial for our wellbeing. On the contrary, conflictual relationships are very bad for our health. As the saying goes, better alone than in bad company!

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