A cozy neighborhood is good for your health.
The German sociologist Sigrid Mohen wanted to investigate what effects a cozy neighborhood has on health † She came to the Netherlands three years ago to start her research. More than 60,000 Dutch people took part in the survey.
Happiness
The research showed that when people live in a neighbourhood where they feel comfortable and where there is a lot of togetherness is, they are automatically happier. The happy feeling again has a positive effect on health †
It is not yet entirely clear how a cozy neighbourhood affects health exactly, but Mohen has several explanations for this. For example, friendly neighbors exchange more information, recommend good general practitioners and, for example, approach youth with undesired behavior more quickly. She also stated that when people feel good in their neighbourhood, them at home less stress have.
Countryside vs. city
Especially in the countryside the neighborhood does fun things together. City dwellers often lack good contact with the neighborhood and generally have poor health † Mohen thinks that city dwellers should make more effort to get to know each other and suggests setting up neighborhood projects.
Having a light breakfast is also good for health>
