If you have to choose between eating salad in front of the TV, or pizza with pals, science says pass the pepperoni. The Rabbit Effect , by psychiatrist Kelli Harding, M.D., reveals that our social connections have major impacts on longevity and wellness. Your book says life purpose, friendship, love, and community shape people’s health. Which is most important? Love. Not physical romance or sex , but positive support that stays with us long after the person who offered it left the room. Studies show it lowers stress hormones, helps immunity and blood pressure, lessens depression and anxiety, and even helps cuts heal faster. How Hiking Leads to Happiness So love spurs us to make healthy choices? Yes, but it also causes physical changes. The science is mind-boggling. Friendship, community, love, and purpose change biology. Genetics research shows, on a microscopic level, how workplaces, neighborhoods, and relationships alter cells, changing how many years we live and whether we’re s