A few months ago, I moved to Coorg to help my mother manage our coffee estate. However, what was supposed to be a fresh start quickly turned into a series of challenges. An unwilling staff and my own lack of experience in estate management left me feeling disheartened. On one such difficult day, my dear friend Toshal called up. As she enquired how I was and how things were with the estate, I got overwhelmed and sobbed. Embarrassed, I quickly hung up the phone.
Weeks passed and the estate’s troubles continued. As I was struggling with the grueling task of coffee plucking one day, I heard a car pull up. To my surprise, there was Toshal, standing in front of me with her large suitcase. “So, I just took a sabbatical from work! I’m here for as long as you need,” she said. Overwhelmed with emotions, I cried and embraced her, realising just how important her support was. Always my lifeline, Toshal had no clue about how to manage an estate, but her mere presence gave me the strength and courage to ease my mind and move forward.
Friends indeed make a positive impact on our health and wellbeing and there are a number of research that prove it. Says Shivangi Dhaundiyal, clinical psychologist, “Holistic wellbeing of humans relies on the environment they live in. More nurturing and enriching the social environment, better the overall psychological health. Stronger the friendships, better the quality of life.”
She further adds, “Longevity, for a long period of time, was only associated with good physical health. But as we understand it now, it’s a more holistic approach and mental health contributes majorly. Research has shown positive correlation between strong friendships and a person’s life-expectancy.”
There are many benefits to having true friendships and International Friendship Day honors this bond. It is celebrated on the 4th August and is dedicated to this special kind of relationship. Established by the United Nations, this day reminds us of the joy and support friends offer. It highlights how these meaningful connections contribute to a more compassionate world. On this special day, join us as we explore how our friendships can help us live happier, healthier and longer.
Emotional support and happiness
Our friends provide us emotional support in ways that even our families sometimes can’t. They offer to us a listening ear, share in our joys and help us through tough times. Research shows that having strong social connections leads to greater happiness and lowers our levels of stress and anxiety too.
In good times or bad, the comfort we receive from our friends can immediately uplift our mood. According to a study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, friendships in adults are linked to better physical health, healthier behaviours and improved mental health. Indeed, our friends have a unique way of making everything better.
Physical health benefits
Interestingly, our friends play an important role in helping us stay healthy. They encourage us to stay active and maintain healthy habits—they make physical activity done together more enjoyable. Whether it’s joining a gym, going for a run or a trek, friends motivate us to keep moving and stay engaged in our physical fitness for good.
Positive fitness journeys such as these, when shared with friends, can decrease the production of stress hormones in the body as well. In short, having friends who prioritise and encourage our wellbeing help us lead a healthier lifestyle and contribute to our overall physical health.
Longevity and quality of life
Having a strong social network is linked to increased longevity. According to Dhaundiyal, “Good friends undoubtedly improve the quality of a person’s life to a great degree. Having meaningful and strong bonds through friendships is like nourishment to the mind and soul.” Indeed, strong friendships can act as a shield against the effects of stress and can promote healthier lifestyle choices, especially among those who find it easy to slide into addictive lifestyles. It is the sense of purpose derived from meaningful friendships that enhances one’s quality of life, making everyday experiences more enjoyable.
Positive impact on mental health
One of the biggest advantages of friendship in today’s era is that it has a deep impact on our mental health. According to Dhaundiyal, “Meaningful friendships have a lot more to contribute towards a person’s overall wellbeing than just having someone to talk to. Friendships help ward off loneliness, boost our confidence and joy, help build better responses towards stress, provide social support and companionship. These bonds also strengthen a person’s belief system and self-esteem.” In fact, friends provide us emotional stability, which can help prevent or manage several mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
Building resilience and coping skills
Life is full of challenges and having supportive friends can enhance our ability to cope with them. Friends offer different perspectives and advice during difficult times. They show us a different point of view to things that help us weigh our issues correctly. Along with their wisdom and emotional support, we learn resilience and coping strategies.
The positive impact of friendship on our happiness, health and longevity is undeniable. By nurturing friendships, we can indeed enrich our lives. On this International Friendship Day, let us not just appreciate our friends but also know, deep in our hearts, that they are truly one of life’s greatest assets. Friends forever!
FAQs
How can our friendships contribute to a happier life?
Friends offer a listening ear, share in our joys and help us through challenges, all of which contribute to a more positive outlook on life and increased happiness.
In what ways do friends impact our physical health?
Friends influence our physical health by encouraging healthy behavior such as adopting regular exercise and eating nutritious food.
Can having friends affect my longevity?
Friends are for life! Research indicates that having strong social connections is associated with increased longevity in people.
How do friendships influence our mental health?
Regular interaction with our friends can help manage and prevent several mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.