Friendships Can Make You Healthy!

Friendships Can Make You Healthy!

Friendships Can Make You Healthy!

Let's explore the health benefits of friendship.

Did you know that science reveals that social connections play a vital role in our health?

Relationships are now being seen to influence us on a cellular level. This influence is from our immune system to our cardiovascular system!

Studies also show that the more social relationships someone has, the greater their ability to fight the common cold, recover from a heart attack, and are generally less likely to die prematurely of causes like cigarette smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure.

It really is the survival of the friendliest!

Dr. Vivek Murthy, former Surgeon General of the United States, stated that: "Loneliness and weak social connections are associated with a reduction in lifespan similar to that caused by smoking 15 cigarettes a day."

To gain these health benefits, you must move beyond casual or superficial relationships, which often don't provide much emotional support for an individual.

It is when we have close friendships that we gain the benefits. Close friends listen to us, validate our feelings and can help distract us when we feel sad or upset. This support is enough to support our body and mind on a biological level.

I hope you have enjoyed this information. Until next time!

Emma Alexander-Cook.