We all know what it feels like to have a friend.
Someone we can rely on, someone who makes us laugh, someone who is there for us when we need them.
But did you know that there are actually some science-backed benefits to having friends?
That’s right, being friends with someone isn’t just good for your soul – it’s good for your health, too!
Here are the top ten benefits of having a friend that you may not have known about.
1. Reduce stress and anxiety
When we’re going through tough times, it’s natural to want to turn to our friends for support.
And it turns out, that’s actually a good idea!
Talking to friends about our stressors can help reduce the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in our bodies.
So next time you’re feeling stressed, give your friend a call – it just might help more than you think!
2. Improve moods
It’s no secret that spending time with friends can make us feel good.
In fact, research has shown that social contact with friends actually releases dopamine and serotonin in the brain, which are two chemicals that are responsible for making us feel happy.
3. Stay healthy
Did you know that having friends can actually make us physically healthier?
Studies have shown that people with strong social networks are more likely to have lower blood pressure and longer lifespans than those who don’t have close friends.
Additionally, people who have close friendships are also less likely to experience cognitive decline as they age.
4. Stay motivated
When we’re trying to achieve a goal, it can be helpful to have friends in our corner to help keep us motivated.
People who have social support are more likely to stick to their goals and achieve them than those who don’t have anyone to help encourage them.
5. Make better decisions
It’s not uncommon to seek out the advice of our friends when we’re facing a tough decision.
And it turns out, that’s actually a smart move!
Those who consider the opinions of their friends are more likely to make decisions that are good for them in the long run.
6. Cope with difficult life transitions
Whether we’re going through a divorce, the death of a loved one, or another major life transition, friends can play an important role in helping us cope.
People who have strong social networks are more likely to navigate these transitions in a healthy way than those who don’t have close friends.
7. Recover from illness
If you’ve ever been sick, you know that having friends can make a world of difference.
Studies have shown that people who have social support recover from illness more quickly than those who don’t have anyone to lean on.
Additionally, people who have friends are also less likely to experience complications from their illnesses.
8. Live longer
Yes, you read that correctly – friends can actually help us live longer!
Studies have shown that people with strong social networks live an average of four years longer than those who don’t have close friends.
Additionally, people with close friendships are also less likely to die from heart disease.
9. Earn more money
While it may not be the most important thing in life, it’s still nice to know that friends can help us earn more money.
People with strong social networks are more likely to get promoted and earn higher salaries than those who don’t have close friends.
10. Make life more enjoyable
Last but not least, friends can simply make life more enjoyable.
When we have close friends, we have people to enjoy life with.
From sharing laughter and memories to simply having someone to rely on, friends make life better in so many ways.
Conclusion
As you can see, friends play an important role in our lives.
They can help us in so many ways, from improving our moods to keeping us healthy.
So if you’re feeling down, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends – they just might be able to help more than you think!