Friendship Health Benefits: Why Connection is Good for You
Most people value and enjoy friendships – both with old friends and new connections. Friendships offer a sense of integrity, support, and joy. But have you ever considered the powerful health benefits they provide?
Children are encouraged to connect socially during school, sporting events, and other extracurricular activities. However, such attachments aren’t only for kids. The friendships we maintain have several mental and emotional benefits many people aren’t aware of. As well as boosting physical health, issues like stress, depression, and loneliness may also improve.
Part of friendships is engaging in fun activities, which include group dinners, game nights, shopping trips, or other outings. Medical facilities offer recreational therapy along with other treatments for several medical issues or conditions. Regardless of your limitations, social activities are available to match your tastes.
Friendship Health Benefits
According to experts, humans are wired to bond with others from birth. When we connect with others mentally, emotionally, and physically, the body releases oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine. These hormones work together to regulate mood, increase pleasure, and signal bonding. They also have mental health benefits by reducing stress, anxiety, and other issues, which we’ll discuss below.
Reduce stress
Work-related issues, financial concerns, medical problems, and other complications commonly cause stress. Personal relationships may contribute, though friendships also combat strain on your mental health.
A recent study placed solo participants in stressful situations, including performing mental math in front of others. When completed, they were allowed to interact freely with other participants.
Their heart rate and cortisol levels increased during their tests but decreased during their relaxed interactions with others. Bonds with close friends have the same effect, reducing stress by allowing you to relax while openly discussing your concerns.
Eliminates feelings of loneliness
Being alone occasionally regenerates our social batteries. However, too much solo time is detrimental to physical and mental health. The more isolated you are, the higher your risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, anxiety, and dementia.
Luckily, friendships have benefits that reduce such health concerns. Those with close bonds make better lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, and proper sleep habits. The more you socialize, the stronger the bond, encouraging frequent contact. You may also get out more, joining others for events, hobbies, or activities you all enjoy.
Reduces the risk of depression and anxiety
Those suffering from anxiety and depression are often socially disconnected, even from those they had former relationships with. However, lacking friendships also increases the risk of these two disorders. Individuals with these conditions often report limited social connections and support and increased isolation.
Though medication and therapy often improve depression and anxiety, pursuing friendships also benefits those with mental health concerns. Recent studies show socializing reduces depression symptoms. These included joining a sports club or religious group and visiting with family and friends. The more meaningful the interactions are, the better you’ll feel.
Enhanced life satisfaction
Another friendship health benefit is how much it enhances our lives. For instance, social connections are a vital aspect of building confidence. A support network lets us figure out who we are as individuals, especially for children and teens.
Group dynamics create healthy challenges, allowing us to make mistakes and learn from them. Trusted friends honestly discuss imperfections without judgment or cruelty, improving self-acceptance and self-esteem.
Resources:
- PubMed Central, Oct. 2015, The Connection Prescription: Using the Power of Social Interactions and the Deep Desire for Connectedness to Empower Health and Wellness
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6125010/ - PubMed, Dec. 2022, Stress recovery with social support: A dyadic stress and support task
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36240542/ - National Institute on Aging, Loneliness and Social Isolation – Tips for Staying Connected
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/loneliness-and-social-isolation/loneliness-and-social-isolation-tips-staying-connected - PubMed Central, Aug. 2021, Enhancing Social Connectedness in Anxiety and Depression Through Amplification of Positivity: preliminary Treatment Outcomes and Process of Change
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7357961/ - Psychiatry Online, Aug. 14, 2020, An Exposure-Wide and Mendelian Randomization Approach to Identifying Modifiable Factors for the Prevention of Depression
https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.19111158 - Personal Excellence Foundation, How Connection Builds Confidence
https://personalexcellence.org/raising-worldchangers-blog/how-connection-builds-confidence
This article is for educational and informational purpose only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. For any questions about your own health condition, speak to a qualified physician or healthcare provider.
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