There are many different reasons why true friends are important. Not only do friends pick us up when we are feeling down but they can give us a reality check when we need one! However, did you know those true friendships are also good for our health? In this blog post, we are going to take a look at the different ways in which a good friendship can benefit your health…
Friendships can last a lifetime –
There is only one place to begin, and this is with the fact that friendships can last a lifetime. This is especially important in the current day and age when you consider the fact that we live in an era whereby people move around on a regular basis. Research has shown that friendships do not have to be dampened because of distance, though. In fact, there are studies dating back to 1983 regarding this matter. In one particular study, participants were asked for their opinions regarding the sense of closeness and friendships. It found that the majority of people did not deem physical distance to be in line with emotional closeness. This means that once you make a true and genuine friendship, this is something you can have with you for the rest of your life.
Friends help us to cope with feelings of rejection –
Another benefit associated with strong friendships is that they help you to cope with rejection or periods in your life whereby things do not go smoothly and how you wanted them to. Friends are always there to pick up the pieces, no matter how old you are. In fact, in 2011, there was a study on fourth-graders, and it found that when children were being rejected by other classmates or picked on, having friends helped them to cope better. We can safely say that this is the case through all walks of life and no matter how old you are.
Friends influence us –
This is why it is important to make good friendships. If you have unhealthy friendships, then this can take a detrimental toll on your health, as these so-called friends will not be influencing you for the better. However, true friends have a positive influence on our lives. For example, let’s say you want to lose weight. A true friend will be there to support you through it. They may even decide to be your diet and exercise buddy. This can help you to achieve your goals.
Friendships can make your mind sharper –
Another benefit associated with friendships is that they can make your mind sharper. In a 2012 study, it was revealed that when a person feels lonely, their risk of experiencing dementia increases. This study included following over 2,000 residents in the Netherlands, with all participants aged 65-years-old or above.
Assistance when you have health problems –
It is also important to think about the fact that friends can be there when you have any type of health problems. If you take a look at Silvermist Recovery, which is for those suffering with anorexia, they talk about the importance of developing true friendships. A friend can help you through anything you are going through, whether you have developed a illness that requires a surgery you are worried about, you are battling addiction, or you are going through any other type of health matter. Having someone genuine by your side to support you can make a massive difference.
Friends can extend your life –
Last but not least, did you know that good friendships could even make your life longer? There has been research that has been conducted to prove that people with strong social relationships have a lower chance of premature death. In a review, 148 prior studies were examined, and there were also 300,000 participants. Researchers found that there were many different ways that health and friendship are linked, including reduced stress, all of which come together to promote a longer life.
As you can see, there are a number of different ways that good friendships can have a positive impact on your health. Moreover, there have been a number of different studies that have been conducted to back this up, and so you can be sure that it is not simply a myth or assumption.
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