Jul 26, 20233 min read

International Day of Friendship: 6 Ways Friendship Positively Affects Your Health

“Friendship is born when one person says to the other, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.” C.S. Lewis.

In support of International Day of Friendship, Sunday 30th July, this months Newsletter examines how friendship enriches our lives...

A good friend cares about you, listens to you & supports you. They teach you about yourself, celebrate your wins & offer an honest opinion, even when it’s hard to hear. True friendship creates a safe space where honesty & vulnerability are met with understanding & care. Good friends are good for your health too. As World Friendship Day approaches, let’s take a closer look at how strong social connections contribute to overall health & wellbeing:

Friendship Enhances Emotional Resilience:

Having a close network of friends provides invaluable emotional support during life’s inevitable ups & downs. Whether it’s a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on or words of encouragement, the support of friends can make a great difference in how you cope with adversity. By sharing what you’re going through, you open the floor to an exchange of ideas & perspectives. Friends can offer insights, advice or coping strategies that you might not have thought of on your own.

Friendship Improves Physical Health:

Research carried out at the University of North Carolina suggests that friendships are linked to better physical health. People with robust social connections had lower blood pressure, a smaller waist circumference & body mass index, & lower levels of inflammation than those without strong social ties.

Friendship Boosts Brainpower:

Spending time with friends isn't just enjoyable; it also positively affects your cognitive abilities. A study conducted by the University of Michigan found that even just ten minutes of social interaction can improve problem-solving skills & boost brainpower. Engaging in conversations & activities with friends keeps your mind sharp & agile, with evidence suggesting a reduced risk of cognitive decline & dementia in older adults who maintain social connections.

The importance of friendships as we age.

Friendship Boosts Immunity:

Interacting with friends & having a strong social support network can boost the production of immune cells & antibodies, bolstering your body’s ability to defend against infections & diseases. People with strong social connections are less susceptible to illness & tend to recover more quickly when they do get sick.

Friendship May Improve Sleep:

Surprisingly, friendship can even play a role in improving sleep quality. A study conducted by the University of Chicago found that individuals lacking social connections experience more restless sleep. Meaningful social interactions with friends provide comfort & security, which can help contribute to a more restful night's sleep.

Friendship Builds Self-Confidence:

Friends often provide positive feedback, encouragement, & reassurance, helping you to see your strengths & accomplishments more clearly. Feeling valued & appreciated by friends can reinforce a positive self-image, boosting self-confidence & belief in your abilities.

Friendships make you feel good & positively affect your mental, emotional & physical health. This World Friendship Day, take a moment to acknowledge & appreciate those who walk alongside you & make your life richer & more meaningful. Reach out to your friends, express your gratitude, & celebrate this day of shared connections.

How to Celebrate: