T E AC H E R ’ S C O R N E R
The Un-Differences of Human Well Being
By: Rod Rock, Ed.D. Superintendent, Clarkston Community Schools
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o you ever notice how some words, like listen, tinsel, and silent, are almost exactly the same, yet vastly different? This is also true of us as humans. In fact, there are as many differences between people as there are human beings in the world-- literally billions. It is very easy, and indeed common, to focus on our differences. After all, they are apparent in our languages, accents, appearances, gestures, customs, rituals, rules and laws, levels of comfort and discomfort, and individual achievements. What is less common, and “un-vogue” in 2017, is to notice and understand our similarities — the shared requirements for human well being. In these ways, we
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are “un-different.” What are our “un-different” requirements? 1. Sleep: “Sleep is overlooked, underappreciated, and the number one, fundamental bedrock of good health.” 2. Physical activity: “Daily exercise increases blood flow to the brain. Exercise promotes neuronal growth and survival, reduces inflammation, and supports the formation of long-term memories.” 3. Adequate nourishment: “A healthy brain requires a healthy well-nourished body.” 4. Managing stress and anxiety: “Not all stress is bad, but chronic stress, especially life events that are out of our control, can change the wiring of our brains.” 5. Meaningful connections: “We are born as social animals and have a fundamental need for human warmth and connection.” 6. Intellectual challenges: “Adults who regularly challenge their minds and stay mentally active throughout life have healthier brains and are less likely to develop dementia. Ongoing education and mentally challenging work build cognitive reserves (the capacity to cope better and keep working properly if any brain cells are damaged or die).” 7. Self-fulfilment: “Find your north star, your passion, your bliss, your inner voice, your wisdom, your calling. Whatever you call it. Research has found that people who score high on life purpose live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives.” (McKay, 2016)
As much as we differ and disagree, it is very hard to argue against the requirements for us humans to be well. And, being human also means that each of us can think at a level that is much beyond the capability of our non-human, earthly counterparts. We can have awareness of factors that contribute to healthy lives. Moreover, we can work together, in our thinking and action, to make lives better for the humans around us. We can sacrifice, collaborate, empathize, plan ahead, remember the past, and make positive changes in our lives. We can even influence lives after we die. But equally, we are capable of doing harm. We are fragile beings. It is easy, especially with technology, to injure others. It is easy, through poor habits and ill thoughts, to harm ourselves. And when we do, other people suffer along with us. As we encounter one another, whether in agreement, discord, or indifference, we can choose to be uniquely human. We can listen with respect. We can offer a helping hand to those who try to trip us up. We can ignore. We can respond in kind. We can question respectfully. We can celebrate one another. We can be silent. We can present an alternative point of view. Even though our differences are vast, the requirements for living well are exactly the same. When we are together, let us remember that our beliefs, actions, responses, prejudices, intentions, and experiences have as much effect on the quality of our own lives as on lives of those with whom we share humanity. Reference: McKay, Sarah. (2016, January 22). These are the 7 habits of highly healthy brains. Your Brain Health. Retrieved from http://yourbrainhealth.com.au/these-are-the-7-habits-of-highly-healthy-brains-in-order-of-importance/.
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