Hanging out with your best friend is good for your health, science has now revealed.
Our friendships are definitely one of the things that suffer most when kids come along. Life gets busy and we neglect making time for us and spending time with our friends.
We may not get to see them every single day, but it is the greatest feeling when we finally reunite with pals who just somehow always know the right thing to say.
And scientists have now discovered that hanging out with your best friend is actually good for you.
Hanging out with your best friend is good for your health
Researchers at Northwestern University analysed a group of 50 elderly people to find out how healthy they were.
Some 31 people in the group were found to have “episodic memory and impressive cognitive awareness” and this was down to their bustling social lives.
The group completed a questionnaire about their mental health and how they take care of it.
And, perhaps unsurprisingly, the 31 ‘SuperAgers’ all stated that their relationships were strong and satisfying.
Strong friendships mean good mental health
The researchers summised that having stable and supportive friendships helps your mental wellbeing remain strong, even as you age.
The participants recommended checking in on your friends as much as you can.
And it doesn't have to be extravagant nights out or trips away; even a quick coffee or a walk together is enough to refill your cup.
What are the benefits of friendships?
Friends can help you celebrate good times and provide support during bad times.
They can also:
- Increase your sense of belonging and purpose
- Boost your happiness and reduce your stress
- Improve your self-confidence and self-worth
- Help you cope with traumas, such as divorce, serious illness, job loss or the death of a loved one
- Encourage you to change or avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as excessive drinking or lack of exercise.
If you find it difficult finding time to meet with friends or live far away from those closest to you, why not join the Caribbean Moms Forum where you can chat to like-minded moms who will support and advise you without judging.
And best of all, it's completely free to join - so register here!