3 Tiny Tweaks for a Younger, Energized You - Part 3 Relationships

Hi, it’s Mary—and welcome back to Being Mary.

We’ve been talking about three small habits that can change your body, your energy, and your life.
 Habit #1 was all about moving your body.
 Habit #2 was about creating more presence in your life.

And now—Habit #3.
 It’s simple, powerful, and honestly, it might be the most surprising one yet.

Want to know what it is? Relationships!

Transcript

Hi, it’s Mary—and welcome back to Being Mary.

For the past two weeks, we’ve been talking about three small habits that can change your energy, your health, and honestly—your whole life.

Habit #1? Move your body.
 Habit #2? Put the damn phone down.
 And Habit #3? Have you guessed it?

Let me hit this one hard, because I believe it might be the most important of them all.
 Habit #3 is: Prioritize your relationships.

That’s right—this is a health habit.
 And even though it might sound obvious, stick with me. Because this one runs deep.

Do you ever feel lonely?
 Do you ever find yourself wondering where your people went?
 Maybe your life has changed—maybe a friend moved away, or a relationship ended.
 Maybe someone you loved passed away. Or maybe… people just slowly faded.

I’ve felt that. That ache of isolation.
 And I want you to know—you are not broken.
 Loneliness isn’t a flaw. It’s a signal.

Just like hunger tells you that you need food…
 Loneliness is your body and soul saying:
 “You need connection.”

Now, here’s the big truth:
 When researchers studied the people who lived the longest, stayed the healthiest, and reported the most joy—they weren’t the richest.
 They weren’t the most disciplined.
 They were the most connected.

People with strong, supportive relationships—friends, family, community—live longer. Period.
 Why?
 Because connection reduces stress.
 It lowers your risk of heart disease and chronic illness.
 It boosts your immune system.
 And it brings joy. Real, deep, sustaining joy.

Think about that moment when you hug someone who just gets you.
Your shoulders drop.
You exhale.
You feel safe. Seen.

That’s not just emotional—it’s biological.
 But when we lack those connections?
 Our stress hormones stay high.
 Our immune system suffers.
 We feel... unsafe.
 And slowly, it wears us down—physically, mentally, emotionally.

So if you're listening and thinking, “I don’t have that right now,”
Please hear me:
It’s not too late.
Some of your best relationships might not be in your past—they’re still ahead of you.

And it doesn’t have to be complicated.
 It starts with a smile.
 A wave.
 A kind word.
 A text message you send first instead of waiting.
 Start small, and watch what opens up.

Even striking up a conversation with a stranger at the grocery store… can shift the energy.
 You never know who might need your smile, or who might become a lifelong friend.

So here’s what I want you to do:
 Be the person who waves first.
 Stop waiting for the invite. Be the one who reaches out.
 Don’t scroll through old memories—make new ones.
 Text the friend you’ve been thinking about.
 Call your sister.
 Chat with the barista.

And if your phone has to be in your hand, let it be because you’re using it to connect—to truly connect—with another human being.

So let’s bring this whole series home.

You want more energy? More joy? A longer, fuller life?
 Then do these three things:

• Move your body
• Put the phone down
• Prioritize your relationships

That’s it. No expensive apps. No supplements. No complicated routines.
 Just the things your body, mind, and soul are already wired to need.

Start where you are.
 Use what you have.
 And remember: small steps, repeated, change everything.

Until next time—keep walking,
 Put the phone down (unless you’re calling a friend),
 And keep being you. 💛