The Healing Power of Friends

The Healing Power of Friends

Making friends and engaging in social activities reduces stress, broadens your horizons, and increases your overall sense of well-being. Sharing the joys of life with friends makes our victories that much sweeter, and sharing the sorrows provides us with comfort and sympathy - or a kick in the pants to stop whining and get in the game to win! Friends rule. They're the bee's knees, and here's why.

Friends Are Good for Your Health

Having friends who've got your back is scientifically proven to reduce stress, lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, and improve overall health. Psychologists and medical professionals agree that friendship is essential for overcoming difficult situations and enjoying a high quality of life - and a longer one. A recent study by Australian scientists at the Flinders University observed 1,500 elderly individuals and found that those with larger groups of friends outlived those with fewer friends by 22%.

Friends Improve Emotional Stability

Having close friends also has a positive impact on our emotional and mental state. Most experts agree that having close friends on whom we can rely for support is just as important as a healthy diet and regular exercise. Friends influence our attitudes and can help us find fault in our negative reasoning to help us weather our storms reach our highest potential.

Friends Make You a Happier Person

Friends play a crucial role in our search for happiness. A research study that followed people for 20 years found that happiness largely depends on the happiness of those who are the closest to us. Surrounding ourselves with positive people who share our values helps to nurture the spirit and give us the strength to realize our potential and reach our goals. Remembering to stay in touch and take care of our friendships can sometimes be challenging in the chaos of daily life, but being flexible and open to new ways of commutation helps us maintain friendships for the long-term.

Friends Make You Like Yourself Better

People who have either a large group of friends or a small, tight-knit group tend to have more self-esteem, compared to those who are lonely. Higher self-esteem translates to a higher level of happiness and a more positive outlook on life. A friend who laughs at your kooky jokes, puts up with your less lovable habits, and listens patiently as you lament one thing or another for the five millionth time helps you see yourself in a better light. And since we form friendships voluntarily, our bonds with our friends are often stronger than they are when it comes to our blood relatives.