Distance yourself from toxic or stressful people in your circle, as their presence directly accelerates our cellular and biological aging.

noli's read

A major observational study published in early 2026 in the journal *PNAS* by researchers Byungkyu Lee and Brea L. Perry scientifically supports this idea. By analyzing the biological age of more than 2,300 adults using epigenetic clocks (which measure the wear and tear of our cells), they discovered that the presence of stressful relationships, called 'hasslers', accelerates the rate of our aging. Specifically, each additional toxic person in one's immediate circle is linked to an accelerated biological aging of 1.5% per year, or approximately 9 months of cumulative cellular wear. The impact is even more pronounced when the individual is a close family member. However, since the study is observational, it cannot prove a causal link: it is possible that individuals who are tired or in poorer health simply perceive their social circle more negatively. Furthermore, the direct impact of 'clearing out' one's circle (actively breaking ties) has not yet been clinically measured to see if it reverses this aging, although reducing relationship stress remains an excellent practice for preserving vitality.

the sources

1. 1Holt-Lunstad J, Smith TB, Layton JB. 2010
2. 2Holt-Lunstad J, Smith TB, Baker M, et al. 2015