Friends might enter your life in a variety of ways. Some appear fairly immediately, while others emerge as you travel through life. Friendship, regardless of how it is formed — through life circumstances or a specific experience – amplifies the good in life and distributes its horrors. This deeply entrenched support system may give you strength, calm your mind, and soothe your spirit on your best and worst days.
Friendship is good for your health.
Several studies have found that spending time with friends has physiological benefits. Indeed, there appears to be a direct correlation between having a good support system and:
- Improved heart health
- Depression risk is reduced.
- Improved blood pressure
- BMI is lower.
- Stress reduction
Researchers claim that those who have strong social relationships live longer. People who were most satisfied with their relationships at age 50 were the healthiest at age 80, according to a long-term Harvard study.
Healthy Habits Can Be Encouraged by Friends
Many people who are lonely or isolated turn to addictive and unhealthy behaviors like drugs, smoking, or drinking to feel better. The good news is that good behaviors may spread quickly. If you make close friendships with folks who live a healthy lifestyle, eat well, and exercise regularly, you’ll probably do the same. Here are some suggestions to help you get in better shape:
- Encourage one another to eat a healthy diet and share recipes.
- Meet up for a stroll or run instead of catching up over coffee or lunch.
- Join a gym together and schedule classes or workouts together.
- Sign up for a 5K or a mini-triathlon to achieve a common objective.
Our physical health can also be improved by our pet buddies. By taking your dog for a walk, you increase your chances of meeting new people in your community and conversing with those you already know.
Friendship is beneficial to your mental health.
Friends meet you wherever you are in life, whether at school pushing you toward better grades and higher ambitions, at work providing a fresh perspective, or at home acting as a sounding board.
Finding comfort, support, and useful knowledge can all be aided by sharing a common bond. Consider attending a support group if you’ve had a terrible time or are suffering from an illness, for example. You’ll get advice on how to cope physically and mentally with the sickness from individuals who have been there.
Friendship is good for your spirit.
During both the difficult and happy times, you rely on your friends. Friends can aid us with practical necessities such as child care, meals, household help, and rides, but they can also be spiritual partners, listening to our deepest problems and praying for us.
Aside from that, our friends play an important role in boosting our self-esteem, happiness, and sense of belonging. They help us by guiding us, listening to us, and advocating for us.
Friendship is important, so stay in touch.
Today, social media allows you to communicate with long-distance friends and acquaintances from various stages of your life. While this provides its level of comfort and companionship, don’t replace face-to-face talks and experiences with Facebook chatting and SMS.
Because of your hectic schedule, you may need to be more intentional about making time for friends. However, because of all the ways they can impact your life and health, it’s critical to prioritize your friendships as a vital component of your health journey.
