Friends Improve Life

It’s no surprise that researchers have found that social activities are a significant part of our overall health.  In fact frequent contact with friends and weekly group activities are comparable to regular exercise and there is no doubt that friends improve life.

Researchers maintain that exercise is still an important component of staying healthy, but that staying socially connected is also important to our overall health.  Life revolves around relationships – the good ones and the bad ones – they are all part of the fabric that holds us together.  We need to be grateful for our relationships because maintaining them is a healthy step we can all embrace.

According to a study in the American Journal of Psychiatry women with a high level of social support are much less likely to suffer from major depression.  The better the relationships are, the better we are – emotionally and physically.  So make sure you have at least a few good friends.

“We must be the change we wish to see.”    Mahatma Gandhi

No close friends?  The first step is to remember that to have a friend you first must be a friend.  No one can do this for you – you have to decide to make friends and then take the action steps necessary to meet new people.   Put yourself out there and you will find that others are also looking for friends to share, laugh and enjoy life with.

Share a belly laugh – when was the last time you were able to share a belly laugh?  Friends improve life because they do more than lift your spirit, they can also improve your memory and reduce your stress hormone.  Research shows that laughter also lowers blood pressure, boosts immunity and eases pain.  What power there is in friends and laughter!

To Our Shared Journey,                                                                                      

Mary Francis is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist®,  Certified Law of Attraction Facilitator,  Early Intervention Field Traumatology (EIFT) and Author/Founder of “The Sisterhood of Widows”