Good friends are an invaluable source of stress relief, positive reinforcement and emotional support when facing challenging times.
Strong friendships have also been linked to greater resilience, helping you recover from life's most trying experiences.
No matter your age or stage of life, having friends who make you feel valued and loved is essential for mental health. Here are five reasons why spending time with those close to you is so beneficial for your mental well-being.
1. It helps you deal with stress and trauma
One way to deal with stress and trauma is by spending time with your friends and family. Even if you've been separated by a disaster, you can still reach out to them through social media or phone calls. This may sound like a no-brainer, but it can be tough to maintain your sanity if you're surrounded by a tsunami of grief and guilt.
To get the most out of your time with your loved ones, you should try to maintain a normal routine. Doing this will keep you from feeling hopeless and help you to deal with stress and trauma. You can also try a few of the most common coping strategies such as exercise, taking a walk, and going out for a drink.
Laughing is the cheapest way to relieve stress and it's a good idea to keep a go-to funny video on hand. Laughter is a great way to rewire your brain, which is a major plus for your mental health.
2. It helps you get to know people
Spending time with friends is a great way to reduce stress. If you have a friend who is going through a rough time, it can be a great way to give them the support they need. However, it can also be scary to invite someone out. You may not know how to talk to them, or you may feel awkward. But getting to know them and spending time together will make you feel better about yourself.
When you spend time with people, you are sharing emotions and allowing them to share their experiences. This is the foundation of a healthy friendship. People who have a strong friendship are more likely to be physically and mentally healthier.
When you spend time with friends, you are sharing their stories and letting them know that they are valued. Even if you aren't able to provide support, they will still appreciate that you're there for them. A great friend is there to listen and give advice when you need it.
3. It helps you find health-minded friends
If you want to improve your physical and mental health, you need to have time with friends. There are many benefits to spending time with friends, including lower blood pressure, better body mass index, and a reduced risk of diabetes. But having the right type of friends is important too.
The right friends help you get through tough times. They can offer you a shoulder to cry on, advice, and support. However, it's important to remember that having the wrong friends can have a negative impact on your health.
Friends can be especially important if you're dealing with mental health problems. You may be afraid to talk about them, and worry that your friend will think you're a weak person or that you will be embarrassed. However, you shouldn't feel ashamed to discuss your problems.
It's important to talk to an adult or to a mental health professional about your problem. Having an open dialogue can help you find a better solution, and can also help you build a stronger bond with your friends.
4. It’s a great way to de-stress
Stress is an inevitable part of life, but chronic stress can have serious health repercussions and worsen existing mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
Stress management can be achieved with the help of a therapist, medication, meditation and deep breathing exercises. But the most effective way to de-stress is spending quality time with friends.
Spending quality time with friends can help reduce stress levels and protect you against health problems caused by stress such as high blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, and headaches. According to Forbes magazine's survey cited by the American Psychological Association, 36 percent of Americans increase their social interaction to reduce stress.
5. It’s a great way to boost your mood
Maintaining a positive outlook through friendships is an excellent way to lift your spirit. Whether you visit each other's houses for dinner or spend the day enjoying activities together, spending quality time with those close to you will always leave you feeling fulfilled and contented.
A recent study published in Royal Society Open Science revealed that how your friends are feeling can have a significant effect on your own mood. Researchers surveying young adults found evidence to support this hypothesis, finding their peers' emotions highly contagious.
Researchers also observed that people who were more aware of emotional contagion had an easier time buffering themselves against negative emotions. This was especially true if they followed proven strategies for improving their own mental health, such as eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly and getting plenty of rest.
6. It’s a great way to bond
Spending time with friends is one of the best things you can do for your mental health. Whether it's having drinks or going on an exciting weekend adventure, spending time with people you care about helps relieve stress and leave you feeling rejuvenated.
Spending time with your friends allows you to get to know them on a deeper level. Understanding their emotions, worries, and aspirations allows for deeper connections with them and helps build intimacy between both of you.
Be a good listener and show your friend you are interested in their thoughts and feelings. Showing empathy will not only strengthen the bond between two of you, but it can also protect both of you from being hurt.
7. It’s a great way to make new friends
Friends make all the difference in your life. They provide support during times of hardship and inspire you to remain positive.
When making new friends, it's essential to remain authentic. Exuding professionalism or pretending to be someone you aren't will not lead to lasting connections.
Finding people with similar interests is also beneficial. This could be done easily through joining a club or group activity.
Spending time with friends more than once a week can significantly boost your overall life satisfaction by 69%, and it may even reduce the risk of developing mental health issues.
8. It’s a great way to stay connected
Spending time with friends is one of the most beneficial mental health activities you can do. If you're going through a challenging period, having someone there for emotional support and an objective viewpoint can be invaluable.
According to a study published in Psychology Today, social interactions may reduce the likelihood of developing depression and anxiety. People who spend time interacting face-to-face are less likely to suffer from these conditions than those who only communicate via texting or social media.
If you have long-distance friends or family members, consider making a daily phone call to check in on them. It won't take much time but will make an enormous difference for their mental wellbeing and yours.
Conclusion
Spending time with friends is critical for maintaining good mental health. The eight reasons we've discussed above in this article highlight the importance of social support and connection.
Whether you meet up for coffee, take a class together, or simply chat on the phone, making time for friends is an investment in your overall well-being.
So, take a step back from your busy schedule and prioritize time with the people who uplift and support you. Your mental health will thank you for it.
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