The one thing that matters more than diet, exercise and sleep

Katherine Killoran, physician and cancer survivor, answers the intriguing question on happy life

There are many factors that are key for a good health. Many think diet, exercise and sleep are essential for a happy and successful life. However, a physician and cancer survivor believes relationships matter the most for your health.

What is the best way to live a happy and successful life? This was the question posted on Quora, the knowledge-sharing network, which Katherine Killoran, physician and cancer survivor, answered.

Apart from a healthy diet, open-air workout and peaceful slumber, Katherine thinks there is one more thing which “will inevitably increase your energy and enjoyment from life.”

Answering the question, she said diet and exercise are the first things that come to mind when thinking of healthy habits, which is a good start towards leading a blissful life. “I think it depends on the individual both regarding personal preference as well as metabolism. But whether your diet is vegan, vegetarian, Paleo, Mediterranean or labelled something else, it comes down to real food. Cook for yourself with quality ingredients and eat at home. Enjoy your food, and if possible share with others. You will undoubtedly be healthier and happier.”



The cancer survivor said she feels better and a lot happier when she eats “real food” which she cooks at home. "Maybe it's age; maybe it's because I am more aware, but my body lets me know when I don't eat well. I do enjoy cooking and strive to eat a wide variety of vegetables every day. I think most of the food we cook at home is delicious, so I am not sacrificing anything to eat well.”

Second comes the exercise which, according to Katherine, reduces depression and increases pain tolerance. “Do it outside if you can. Being outside makes you happier and also helps reduce depression and anxiety. Make sure it is an activity that you like. The more it feels like work, the less beneficial it is for you and the less likely you are to do it. Sweat. The harder you work the less time you need to put in,” she maintained.

“I continue to enjoy being active and have added high-intensity intervals to my various activities - swimming, biking, running, and lifting weights. It's hard to know for sure, but I am confident it has improved my speed, strength, and overall level of fitness.”

Regarding sleep, she said, “Not everybody needs a full eight hours of sleep every night, most people need more than six. No surprise, when you are well rested, you think and perform better, which helps you accomplish more, be happier and more successful.”

Lastly, she said while everyone knows about the importance of diet, exercise and sleep to live a content life but your relationships may also be the most important factor. “At least that's the conclusion from the Harvard study of adult development. It followed 724 men from two very different backgrounds. One group was composed of Harvard students, and the other was poor, underprivileged, boys from Boston's inner-city.”



“This study tracked these men interviewing them, reviewing their medical records, talking to their wives and families to determine what factors resulted in health, happiness, and longevity. It wasn't money, success or a healthy cholesterol level at age 50 that best predicted good health and happiness at age 80. Instead, it was how satisfied the men were with their relationships. Being more socially connected to family, friends, and community led to happier, healthier people who lived longer.”

In another example of the remarkable power of relationships and community on health and longevity, she said, “In the 1960s, a local doctor realised there was an exceptionally low rate of heart disease in Roseto, a small town in Northeastern Pennsylvania, --virtually non-existent-- compared to some of the surrounding towns.

“The inhabitants smoked cigars, drank lots of wine, ate meatballs, sausage, and plenty of cheese, while being exposed to potentially toxic gasses and dust in the slate quarries, not exactly the usual recipe for good health. The people of Roseto were Italian immigrants. Their lifestyle, with an emphasis on close, supportive relationships, appears to have protected them from chronic disease and is similar to the way of life along the Mediterranean.”

“Take care of yourself. Eat well. Move daily. Get enough sleep. Maintain and nurture your relationships. In doing so, you will inevitably increase your energy and enjoyment from life. When you take care of yourself, not only do you have more energy which will give you more time to focus on success, but you feel well, so you are better equipped to enjoy the time you have,” she concluded.