Ten Important Advantages to Friendships

As I begin writing this blog post, I am reminded of the numerous friendships I am blessed with.  Entering the Fall season of the year, which is one of my favorite seasons, I realize how meaningful these friendships can be – calling or texting me when I need a kind word, asking me to be a part of a Halloween Trunk or Treat event in our subdivision, or just a smile or wave that can brighten someone’s day.

One of the most significant sources of support throughout our lives, our friends can help alleviate life’s problems and add excitement and intensity to life itself.  And science has proven other benefits to friendship.  You don’t need to be perfect with friends because they care for you just the way you are.  You don’t need to ensure the house is picked up and spotless to invite a friend in for coffee or tea.

Friendship is a simple gift shared with another person.  There have been studies conducted that show that a good friend can improve your overall health, both mentally and physically.  Friends can assist in reducing everyday stress and working through changes we find challenging to deal with. Having someone to listen to us is a significant factor.  We need to express those feelings, good or bad, releasing them, so we don’t dwell on them and make them worse.  Friends don’t expect you to fix their problems; they want someone to listen and possibly give them some sound advice.

According to Mayo Clinic, below are ten benefits to having close friendships:

1. Improve your self-worth and self-confidence.
2. Help you deal with trauma – like serious illness, injury, death, divorce, or job loss.
3. Friends help you change or quit unhealthy lifestyles.
4. Friends boost your happiness and sense of belonging.
5. Friends help promote a healthy lifestyle – exercise and socialization.
6. Friendships can help you live a longer life.
7. Friendships help improve social skills.
8. Friends help prevent health problems like depression and high blood pressure.
9. Friends give you an honest opinion, are the best sounding board and have a fresh perspective.
10. Friends help you through times of fear and apprehension in your life.

If you feel you lack the skills needed to make new friends, you might try one of these ideas:

• Attend a local community event, like a farmer’s market, a high school parade, or a football game.
• Volunteer at a hospital, museum, community center, worship service, charitable group, or organization.
• Join a faith community. Try a unique activity or get-to-know-you event.
• Take a walk in your neighborhood. Stop and chat with neighbors or head to a nearby park and strike up a conversation.
• Invite a friend to join you for coffee or lunch.
• Try a new activity. Take a college or community education course.  Join a gym or senior center.

I hope these lists will ignite the seeds of friendship and improve those relationships in your life.

I’ve included a couple of websites you might want to check out:

• https://www.verywellmind.com/the-importance-of-friendship-3024371
• https://www.betterup.com/blog/why-is-friendship-important
• https://listovative.com/top-20-reasons-why-friends-are-important/

Enjoy the Fall weather, that is, if you’re getting any.  And let us not forget all those people that Hurricane Ian just hit.  Prayers for them and all the responders giving aid.

All my best,

Julie