People who lack a social connection may face a higher risk of early death, according to the WHO Commission on Social Connection. Feelings of loneliness may also lead to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, and could increase risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. On the other hand, building and nurturing friendships and healthy relationships could increase life span by improving overall well-being,

Importance of friendships in overall well-being

Having a good friend means having a confidant with whom you can be vocal about everything happening in your life. A friend can add value and meaning to your life by helping you get close to yourself and your life’s purpose. It is like having someone with whom you feel bound by a tight cord of love.

In his book “The Laws of Connection”, author and BBC journalist David Robson reveals compelling evidence that shows that individuals who enjoy deep social connections tend to have good health in comparison to those who feel isolated. The science of his book investigated the “biopsychosocial” model of health. As per his research, friendships can play a huge role in influencing various aspects of our well-being from enhancing our immune system to boosting our cardiovascular health, all of which are responsible for increasing our lifespan.

Being a good friend leads to happier bonds and longer life. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

How can meaningful relationships boost our overall health?

Having meaningful relationships and friendships profoundly impacts every aspect of life, from emotional well-being to professional success. Strong connections provide emotional support, enhance mental health, and create a sense of belonging, all of which contribute to overall happiness and life satisfaction.

Some of the ways friendships support our overall well-being, according to clinical psychologist Mimansa Singh Tanwar, include:

1. Friendships provide emotional support

Meaningful relationships offer a safe space for sharing thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This emotional support reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, fostering resilience in facing life's challenges. Having deep friendships apart from having a romantic connection can benefit your emotional health as you have more people to rely on during times of emotional distress, says the expert. In fact, people of all ages can benefit from having any type of social connection. A Plos One study on SuperAgers found that people in their 80s who had positive social relationships had better cognitive abilities.

2. Improved mental health

Close friendships and relationships contribute to better mental health. Engaging in regular, meaningful interactions can improve mood, boost self-esteem, and lower the risk of mental health issues. A friend who is your well-wisher will make you believe in your strengths and abilities and can take you out of dark spaces by being there for you during tough times.

As per a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, loneliness is not an outcome of being alone but of living without some definite needed relationship or set of relationships. Loneliness can trigger mental health issues like depression, personality disorders, sleep disorders, and alcohol use, and may even contribute to physical health issues. So, having deep connections can guard you against mental health disorders.

3. Happiness

You share good times with your loved ones by creating happy moments with them. Happiness can be found in the simplest of things when you are making memories with the right person. A good friend adds to your happiness, enhancing the overall quality of your life.

4. Physical health

Positive relationships are linked to better physical health. They encourage healthy behaviours, such as regular exercise and balanced eating, and can even boost the immune system and promote longevity. Taking on good habits together with your friends can help sustain those habits longer, leading to improved physical health.

5. Professional success

Strong relationships often extend into the professional realm, providing networking opportunities, mentorship, and collaboration. Trust and mutual respect within professional relationships can lead to career advancement and job satisfaction, tells the expert.

6. Sense of belongingness

Feeling connected to others creates a sense of belonging and purpose. This can enhance one's overall sense of identity and provide a foundation of stability and security. When we feel deeply connected and aligned with others, we tend to become a better version of ourselves as our friends can inspire good change in our lives. For example, your friend’s decision to quit smoking will directly influence you to make healthier choices.

As per the Springer Journal, high-quality friendships are mostly characterized by support, intimacy, and reciprocity. According to Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, there is a positive relationship between social relationships and self-esteem, for friends reinforce you to get better. So, friendships boost your self-esteem which leads to better physical and mental health.

Happy moments shared with your friends help you last longer in life! Image courtesy: Freepik

How to build deep friendships?

In today’s times, fostering deeper connections that go beyond the boundaries of the virtual world is all the more important, as is the need to establish strong social support systems.

Here are some ways you can strengthen your friendships:

1. Make proactive efforts

If you like someone’s company, make the first move to start the friendship. Put aside your ego, and reach out and connect with family, friends, peers, colleagues, and mentors. Support systems require one’s active efforts to establish and sustain, reckons the expert.

2. Be present

Especially in today’s world of social media and digitalization, being in the presence of others does not necessarily mean we are attending to the conversation at hand! Be mindful of minimizing distractions and being actually present. Be an active listener and provide your opinion or feedback when needed.

3. Express and communicate

Depending on the nature of your relationship with the individual, make an effort to express your feelings and thoughts instead of bottling them up. Even if each individual cannot be your truest confidante, utilize opportunities to continue being authentic versions of yourself, suggests the expert.

4. Listen actively

Building a support system doesn’t only mean a unidirectional relationship. As you reach out for support, it's also important for you to be a support system to others around you. Effective communication requires one to be able to listen actively and without judgment.

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