Social connections are not only a core part of self-care; they’re also life-extending magic. Research shows they can increase lifespan

Let’s face it: your nervous system is a little extra. It keeps everything running—your heartbeat, breathing, digestion, and even that momentary blush when you accidentally wave at someone who wasn’t waving at you. But throw in a little stress, and this drama queen can quickly lose its cool. When it comes to your health, the nervous system deserves your attention—not just because it’s the ultimate multitasker but also because it’s ground zero for how your body handles stress.

In today’s world, however, many of our stressors don’t resolve so easily. We get stuck in the stress cycle, leading to chronic stress...