Why Friendship Is a Healthy Habit
By Brandi Goodman
Healthy habits are necessary if you hope to maintain your well-being. Most people realize they need to try to eat better, such as including fruits and vegetables in their diet. Everyone knows water should be the drink of choice. It helps all systems within the body flourish and doesn't add calories like other beverage choices do. Exercising is also a necessary habit. One you may not realize is friendship. Maintaining a friendship is an easy habit you can keep and it benefits you greatly.
Spending Time With Friends Improves Your Mood
Your mental health can suffer greatly when you're left alone and feeling isolated. It's good to surround yourself with friends who you can enjoy your time with. This improves your mood and puts you in much better spirits. A depressed state can heighten stress, lead to poor sleep, and cause other chronic illnesses. Spend time with your friends to avoid these struggles.
Friends Can Help You Cope
Associating with people who understand what you're going through is a great way to help you cope. If you're experiencing a trauma, such as going through a divorce -- or worse, a death -- you can talk about your feelings with friends who have been through something similar. This can reduce some of the stress you feel and help to ease your mind.
It Lowers Your Risk for Disease
Having strong friendships and support can actually lower your risk for certain diseases. You're more likely to avoid significant levels of stress, can decrease your blood pressure, and even have a lower BMI if you surround yourself with friends and engage in activities with them. Don't just spend time sitting around each other's houses. Get out and about and enjoy some recreational activities together so you both ( or all) can benefit.
Friendship is a healthy habit that everyone should engage in. If you tend to be alone and don't have many friends you can count on, volunteer. Volunteering provides an excellent way to meet new people and spend time with others who are wanting to help. You can even opt for online friends. It's not as good as meeting up in person, but it does provide you with a way to connect with others, engage in conversation, and enjoy some of the benefits that having a person you relate to brings.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Portland, Ore.