Having good friends is quite beneficial. You can depend on them when you need moral support or if you simply want to hang out and unwind. But the benefits of surrounded by good people do not stop there. It actually helps you physically and emotionally, which is crucial for your overall health and well-being.
Below are the things that friendships can do for you:
Increases Your Sense of Belonging
Human beings need a sense of belonging. This is something that you can get from a church, school, and, of course, family members and friends. The truth is, belonging is as important as our basic needs in life like food and shelter. You can foster a sense of belonging by maintaining close friendships. Therefore, you should not hesitate to make friends. If you feel like you matter and that you belong, you’d be happier.
Reduces Stress and Loneliness
Stress is something that everybody experiences sometimes due to several reasons. It could be minor, but no matter how small it is, you should learn how to properly deal with it. Otherwise, it could pile up and would have a negative impact on your well-being. You will then start to get so anxious, depressed, and irritable. Too much stress can lead to insomnia, digestive problems, high blood pressure, and poor immune health as well.
Studies show though that having good friends can help a lot in coping with stress more effectively. You’d have good people whom you can talk to. You can also relax with them, and that right there aids in getting rid of stress.
Decreases the Risk of Depression and Anxiety
Healthy and close friendships are beneficial to your mental health. No matter how old you are or what problems you have, good friends will always be there to help you out. The thought of having people you can rely on can certainly help decrease the risk of depression and anxiety.
Mental health issues may seem nothing at first. But sooner or later, they will start to take their toll on you. If you are feeling depressed because you lost your job or perhaps you are going through a divorce, simply talking to friends and venting out can relieve you.
Provides Emotional Support
Healthy relationships provide you with emotional support. Good friends know how to listen and they can give you words of encouragement or pieces of advice when you feel like you don’t know what to do anymore. They can also validate your feelings and do things for you without asking for anything in return. When you are feeling sad or upset, your friends can help divert your attention so you won’t have to dwell on those negative feelings. This is why it is very important for you to maintain close relationships.
Helps You Practice Healthier Habits
They said that strong friendships can lengthen your life, and this true. True friends would encourage you to practice healthier habits. You can go out for a walk or run early in the morning. You can also count on them if you need to hit the gym more frequently because you need to lose weight. Good friends can help you follow a healthy diet, etc.
Bottom line is, your friends can serve as your guide and support as you try to live a healthier lifestyle.
Gives You a Sense of Purpose
When you have a sense of purpose, you try to get the most from whatever you do, no matter how small or big it is. You would have the motivation and determination to do things that would give you a better future. With this, friendships will serve as your support and source of motivation. They will help you realize your real purpose in life.
Boosts Your Happiness
Aside from they can help you reduce your stress, depression, or anxiety, your social relationships aid in improving your overall mood. Trust me, no one can cheer you up like your best buddies can. And you know those moments when you simply look at each other and you just burst into laughter? That right there is priceless.
Experts say that when you make new friends, your body actually releases oxytocin, which makes you feel really good.
Helps You Cope With Traumas
Life is not a bed of roses. It can get challenging, too. And during those tough times, your friends can help you cope with any traumatic or difficult events. It could be a breakup or a divorce, death in the family, family problems, loss of job, and so on. All these things can affect you physically and mentally. But if you have friends to lean on, you should be able to handle challenges a lot easier.
So now you’ve seen how beneficial it is to have healthy friendships. You might be so preoccupied with work and family but never neglect your social life. Maintain your relationship with your friends and you will have a better and happier life.