A good friendship can have a positive impact on your physical and mental health. And it can improve your overall well-being. While wanting to be alone sometimes is perfectly normal, social interactions are very beneficial.
Friends offer a sense of belonging
We all want to belong and know that we matter to others. This need is even placed third on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, just after food and shelter needs.
Plus, knowing we have a support network can help us feel more secure in our own life. Dr. Scott Kaiser, a geriatrician and director of Geriatric Cognitive Health for the Pacific Neuroscience Institute told Medical News Today of friendship’s role in human evolution:
Research suggests that evolution has continually selected for increasing social connection with social interaction and networks playing a major role in the survival of people. According to this framework, our ancestors formed social connections — working together, sharing food, and otherwise helping each other—to feel safe and protected
Friends encourage positive, healthy behaviours
Friends can help you make good lifestyle changes that have a positive impact on your well-being. This could be a possible explanation for some of the health benefits of friendships.
They can be your support when any bad habits like drinking or smoking gets out of hand. They can also help set and maintain your goals (healthy eating, studying or exercise).
PsychCentral writes that like-minded friends can be a good influence to change any unhealthy habit. And it can be motivating to stick to a goal when you have a buddy by your side!
Less feelings of loneliness, isolation
Loneliness can lead to depression and other physical health issues. A 2018 study reveals that ‘high quality friendships‘ offer a sense of support and intimacy.
The BBC writes that science journalist, Lydia Denworth, marvels at how social isolation affects your immune system. Denworth says when you are lonely, your white blood cells chance behaviour. This brings causes more inflammation and a weakened immune response.
A 2020 study focuses on supporting the maintenance of friendships in people living with aphasia. Aphasia is a language disorder affecting a person’s ability to communicate. The study shows that having friendships during the early stages of recovery encourages companionship, improved life satisfaction and less loneliness.
It helps you beat your stress
Stress comes in all kinds and forms. And no matter the size, they can quickly overwhelm you. This can cause symptoms of irritability and anxiety. It can also affect you in other ways like poor immune health, high blood pressure and insomnia.
Friends who care for you and want to help, can offer you a safe space to vent and brainstorm solutions. Good friends who listen to you can help fight off potential potential stressors before it builds up and causes harm.
Friends improve your physical fitness levels
Healthy relationships can contribute to good physical health. A 2017 study shows that people who exercise with others work out more and are less stressed.
The benefits of less loneliness and reduced stress is a possible explanation as to how friendships improve our physical well-being.
According to a 2010 review, people with healthy, strong relationships have half the risk of suffering a premature death from all causes.
They push you to beat your slump
Healthy friendships can improve life satisfaction. It teaches you to trust people and have a positive attitude.
Friends can also be good role models and inspire you to reach your dreams! And good friends will support your choices too by either making changes with you, or reminding you of your goals. They cheer you on and boost your confidence – being with you though the struggles and wins.
Ultimately, good friendship lengthen your life, reduce your unhappiness and make life all that more happy! All you have to do is maintain it.
