How important is it to have friends?

Well, from what I've read and experienced - very! This is my short argument as to why we should all put our friends first this summer and strengthen our social network 😊

I read about a study that was done on how close friends can positively impact our psyche. It was brilliant. Test subjects were asked to guess the height of a hill they were about to climb, when standing next to a close friend the hill was estimated to be significantly smaller! Proof that good friendships help us feel more empowered, capable and optimistic.

Our lives are full of ups and downs, being able to stay in a good mindset when the hard times hit is so important. It’s clear that if we feel connected to others we feel more able to deal with what life throws at us, we find strength in knowing we are not alone.

Some (incredible) findings that have come from studies on friendship conclude;

• having good social connections lowers your risk of dementia
• loneliness is the single biggest risk factor in early death (bigger than smoking 15 cigarettes a day, being obese or physically inactive!!!)
• people with strong friendships deal with pressure better and recover quicker from stressful situations
• people with good social connections have stronger immune systems and lower blood pressure
• positive friendships make us happier, even when we are not around our friends  

I hope these amazing facts have inspired you to see your friendships as more than a nice bonus. Our social connections are vitally important to our wellbeing. So who are you going to make an effort to make memories with this summer? Go call them now! Make some fun plans! 💛

As you guys know, I’m not a mental health professional, just a happy person sharing from my own experiences and learning, trying to lift others up ✌🏼 

Here is a link to UK mental health organisations if you need professional help https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/depression/useful-contacts/

Fact Sources; Mayo Clinic; http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/friendships/art-20044860 Harvard Health Publications

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