We all know that friendships are important. From sharing laughter and good times to being there for us during tough times, our friends make our lives richer and more enjoyable. But did you know that friendships also come with some surprising health benefits?
For starters, research has shown that having strong social relationships can boost our mood and help us deal with stress. And it’s not just our mental health that benefits from friendships – studies have also shown that having close friends can help us live longer, improve our heart health, and even boost our immunity.
So, if you’ve been feeling a bit down lately, or just need a reminder of why friendships are so important, read on for some of the surprising health benefits of friendship.
1. Lowering stress levels: When we spend time with our friends, our body releases oxytocin, a hormone that has anti-stress effects.
2. Boosting immunity: Friendship can improve our immune system, making us less likely to get sick.
3. Decreasing anxiety and depression: Friends can help us cope with anxiety and depression, both by providing support and by
distracting us from our negative thoughts.
4. Improving brain health: Friendship has been linked to better cognitive function and a lower risk of dementia.
Overall, friendships provide us with many physical and mental health benefits. If you don’t have close friends, consider making an effort to develop some new relationships.
