Humans need social interactions, so when you have a get-together with friends and family, it’s more than just fun. Yes, brunch with girlfriends and Friday night dinners with the family can be awesome, but have you ever considered that there could be other benefits. Check out some great health benefits to having quality time with the ones you love!
Relieving Stress
Stress can create all sorts of health problems, including high blood pressure, headaches and migraines, heart diseases and is blamed for some cancers. People use many different ways to relieve the stress in their lives, but a study from the American Psychological Association estimated that 36% of Americans use confiding in friends and family as the biggest stress reliever of all.
Living Longer
A nine-year study has shown that people with strong family ties are more likely to live longer. It also showed that even if they live an unhealthy lifestyle, bonds of family and friends see to have a positive effect on the length of their life.
Family and Friends Celebrations
We all have milestones in our lives such as special birthdays, weddings, children being born and many others. It appears that people who have close ties to their family are far more likely to celebrate such events. They do this in all sorts of different ways, from hiring a venue to using a party bus from https://www.bergenlimo.com/fleet/new-jersey-nj/ , to having a simple dinner party at home to make their celebration special. If you do the same, celebrating as many occasions as you can, you will feel closer to the people you love, happier and less lonely.
Help with Positive Choices
Initially, you may not like it when a family member or friends suggest you should eat healthier, something you can learn about at https://nutritiouslife.com/eat-empowered/how-to-eat-healthier/, get more exercise or stop smoking. However, you know they are doing this with your best interests at heart and you are more likely to adopt these positive choices with their support.
A study at the University of Texas concluded that when you spend time with family and friends, it affects the way you behave and that good habits are often formed from these relationships.
Increased Self-Esteem
There are times in our lives when all of us feel a bit down, maybe undervalued and not loved by anyone. This lowers our self-esteem and can make us feel pretty worthless. However, spending time with family that you know love you, and with friends that have always been there, can boost your self-esteem no end as it makes you realize that you are an important person in someone’s life. They will always be there to congratulate you when you are successful and to let you know your worth when something does not work out. You will have a much more positive image of yourself with friends and family around you.
Better Mental Health
It has been shown that better mental health results from face-to-face interaction with other people and that this is even more effective if those people are family and friends. Depression and anxiety are far less prevalent in people who have strong ties with others. Social media and texting are no substitute for a real live chat.
Friends and Family Can be Good for Your Health
No one should underestimate the good impact that friends and family have on our lives. We may not always agree on the same things, but you know they will always be there for you. So, pull out your calendar and schedule those get togethers today!
Want more tips on improving your health? Check out more tips in this post!
