The need for friends is instinctual. Our survival once depended
on having friends to hunt and find food with, to help us build shelter and keep
our families safe, and for companionship. Today, good friends are just as
important. They add a special meaning to life. They help you enjoy the good
times and overcome the difficult ones. While strong relationships with friends
can be a huge source of fun and pleasure, they are also important for your
physical and emotional health.
Good friends can:
Ø Improve your mood. Happiness can be infectious. Spending
time with happy and positive friends can elevate your mood and boost your
outlook.
Ø Help you to reach your goals. Whether you're trying to get fit, give
up smoking, or otherwise improve your life, encouragement from a friend can
really boost your willpower and increase your chances of success.
Ø Reduce your stress and depression. Having an active social life can bolster
your immune system and help reduce isolation, a major contributing factor for
depression.
Ø Support you through tough times. Even if it's just having someone to
share your problems with, friends can help you cope with serious illness, the
loss of a job or loved one, the breakup of a relationship, or any other
challenge in life.
Ø Support you as you age. As you age, retirement, illness, and the
death of loved ones can often leave you isolated. Having people you can turn to
for company and support can provide purpose as you age and be a buffer against
depression, disability, hardship, and loss. Staying socially engaged as you age
keeps you feeling positive and boosts your happiness.
Of course, friendship is a two-way street. Being a good friend
to someone brings them all of the above benefits, and boosts your own happiness
and sense of self-worth in the process. It also makes you feel needed and adds
purpose to your life. While developing and maintaining a friendship takes time
and effort, the many benefits of having a close friend make it a valuable
investment.
No comments:
Post a Comment