I love my friends. They’re always there for me when I need a pick me up or some encouragement. They help me have fun, we have some of the best memories together, and they’re the family I got to choose.
I’m sure you feel the same way about your friends, but did you know that friends are actually good for your health too?
Well, they are. Here’s how:
1 – They help you live longer
A study in 2010 showed that good social ties have twice as much power as good exercise when it comes to lengthening your life.
2 – They keep your mind healthy
One study in the Netherlands revealed that the perceived absence of friends and social ties led to the onset of dementia.
3 – They inspire you
While it’s true that spending time with friends with bad habits can negatively influence you, the opposite is also true. When you spend time with healthy, fit people, with good eating habits and exercise regimes you start to do more of those things too.
4 – They protect you from stress
One intense study in Virginia found that a person’s body experienced less stress when they were holding hands with a friend than when they stood alone.
5 – They help you sleep better
Did you know loneliness disrupt sleeping patterns? Crazy but true. Spending time with fiends may even affect how long it takes us to fall asleep each night.
Cool right? Make sure your friends know how good they are for your health.
All of the content and media on Lifesum is created and published for information purposes only. It is not intended to be used as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Users should always consult with a doctor or other health care professional for medical advice. If you have or think you are at risk of developing an eating disorder, do not use the Lifesum app and seek immediate medical help.
