Power of Friendships Keeping You Healthy
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Spending time with positive and supportive friends can be one of the most powerful pieces of good health.
Our friends provide a connective network that helps us share burdens, relieve and discuss stress, and often times provides a new perspective. These qualities of friendship help us stay, physically, energetically and emotionally healthy.
What is the concern? In 1985 there was a study conducted of 1,500 Americans where the 'supportive network' of 'friends and confidant's' were examined. In 2005, the same study was repeated and Americans now have 30% less confidants and stay much less connected with friends than in 1985.
Isolation and social disconnection play a significant role in degenerative health; usually in this pattern:
- Depletes us energetically, and stagnation sets up
- Mental health and interactivity begins to suffer
- Emotional health and happiness lowers
- Physical health suffers
How does friendship actually help?
- Loneliness effects the blood. Did you know that 240 middle-aged american who identified themselves as 'lonely' had much higher levels of stress hormones than others (Psychoneuroendocrinology, May 23, 2003). Going to aerobics class, yoga, massage all help relieve stresses.
- Immune System Strength - Good friends and social activity has shown to reduce inflammatory substances. Women with breast cancer, over 227 of them, attended regular support groups and found to reduce anxiety and increased levels of the bodies top defense, the 'T Cell'.
Make the effort to stay in touch with your friends. Meet for a cup of coffee, go for a walk or lunch.
Power of Friendships Keeping You Healthy
Created Monday, May 19, 2008 by Riverwell Editor