Surgeon General says Americans should ‘rethink how they are living their lives’

During his four-year term, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, MD, MBA cautioned against prevailing but often overlooked modern-day threats to human health: loneliness, social media, gun violence, and alcohol consumption. Dr. Murthy also emphasized the importance of mental health for young people and their parents as well as maternal health. Now, as Murthy concludes his time in office, he has issued one final plea, urging people in the United States to rethink how they are living their lives—shifting from an endless pursuit of wealth, power, and fame to a life centered around relationships, service, and purpose.

For many people, following Murthy’s advice would likely involve a seismic or uncomfortable shift in priorities. But citing ongoing research, life experience, and input from scientific experts, the Surgeon General concludes this may be what it ultimately takes for Americans to truly be happier and healthier.

"This is my parting prescription for the country I love," U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy shared in a letter published on January 7 in PEOPLE magazine.

What’s so wrong with the status quo?

By putting so much value on things like money, fame, followers, and power—and pursuing them with laser focus, Murthy contends we’re paying a harmful price. “While there is nothing inherently wrong with these elements, on their own, they rarely bring lasting fulfillment,” he explains.

Murthy suggests the status quo is contributing to a loss of hope and optimism and fueling social divides and polarization.

In making his point, he tells the story of his father who was raised in a farming village in rural India. He had no running water or electricity. Food was also scarce. But even though he had very little in terms of material possessions or money, Murthy’s father said he never felt a sense of emptiness or the feeling that something was missing. What he had in abundance, however, was deeply rooted social support and connection.

Strong social ties and sense of community, Murthy explains, fosters a sense of purpose and emphasis on service—all of which have been shown to enhance human health and well-being.

“Relationships keep us grounded and bonded to each other. Service, from formal volunteering to informal small acts of kindness, is about helping each other. And purpose gives our life a sense of direction and meaning. Together, these elements form the triad of fulfillment,” Murthy wrote.

How do connection, service, and purpose help?

Scientists have been investigating the link between social connection, purpose, health and well-being for decades. There is ample evidence that those with strong social support networks and a sense of purpose are more likely to live longer, healthier lives.

But why? For one thing, those with a support system or sense of purpose are more likely to have healthy habits or do things that will contribute to better mental and physical health. For example, you may eat healthier foods, get more quality sleep, be more active, or keep medical appointments to prevent health issues.

More specifically, a purpose-driven, socially connected life could have other benefits, including:

Lower stress levels: There is some evidence that having a higher sense of purpose could provide relief from constant rumination or focus on self, which leads to mental distress, says Murthy. A strong sense of purpose and community may offer some emotional insulation from life’s ups and downs. It may also help people be more resilient in the face of challenges.

Reduced inflammation: Being less vulnerable to stress can also help shield people from the harmful effects of chronic inflammation. Stress can trigger inflammation throughout the body. Keeping stress in check can help control this response and protect against heart disease and other health issues.

What is your purpose?

Life purpose is defined differently by different people. Some people may say it’s raising children, learning a new skill, or engaging in something that is enjoyable or could help others. But many people may not have an answer to that question.

Daily distractions and external influences can blur the lens of introspection. Rather than looking inward and understanding their core values and passions, many people are focusing their attention outward, trying to show others how well they are doing, researchers have suggested.

If you’re unsure of what your purpose is, there are some things you can do to help figure it out, including:

Try something new. Seek out and engage in an activity that you find exciting, challenging, or interesting. Look for opportunities that spark an internal fire or give you a new reason to get up in the morning.

Volunteer your time. Helping others activates the reward center in the brain, releasing feel-good chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. When you volunteer, especially if it’s a cause that is meaningful to you, you may gain new perspective on life and develop a sense of purpose.

Ask yourself hard questions. Set aside some time to think about and truthfully answer the following questions:

• What do you love?
• What do you truly value?
• What do you need?
• What makes you feel most proud?
• What motivates you?
• Who would you like to help? Who can you help the most?
• What are your talents? What do you have to share with others?
• How can you make a difference in the world, in your community, or in someone else’s life?
• What makes you want to get up in the morning?
• What do you like to do when you are alone?
• What makes you feel happy?
• What inspires you?

Set some goals. Reflecting on what you’d like to achieve—and why—can help you find your purpose.

Small steps can lead to big changes

Murthy’s prescription for the nation is a long-term goal. It may take time to achieve but there are some small adjustments people can make each day to help inch us closer to purpose-filled, connected lives.

Murthy recommends doing one thing each day to help another person. Check in on a friend or help a neighbor with a chore. Be more mindful or intentional about forming a strong social network. Encourage children to commit some of their time to a service project or volunteer position. Share and tell stories, books, or movies that are inspiring and fuel a sense of purpose, he adds.

“The profound change we are living through isn’t easy to manage. But it presents an opportunity to rethink how we are living our lives. We have a choice: the status quo marked by pain, disconnection and division, or a different path of health, happiness, and fulfillment. Choosing the latter will require rethinking what defines success and a good life,” Murthy wrote.

“As I complete my term as Surgeon General, this is my parting prescription for the country I love: to remake and recenter our lives around relationships, service, and purpose. This is the path to health, well-being, and fulfillment. It is what will help us find our way home.”