Friends make you braver
Often we are happier turning up at a party, event or even a class with a friend to bolster our courage.
A good friend will encourage you to go for the things you want in life – even when you feel like packing it all in.
Supportive friends can be your personal cheerleader; offering praise and reassurance when you’re feeling wobbly.
They Help With Stress
If you are having a tough time of it and need to talk things through with a friend – more often than not they’ll be in your corner.
Having them to talk to can take the sting out of heartbreak or difficult times.
They will also talk some sense into you when you are going off in an unhelpful direction
According to Harvard Medical School, “social connections help relieve levels of stress, which can harm the heart’s arteries, gut function, insulin regulation, and the immune system.”
Their Good Stuff Rubs Off
You’ve heard the phrase: You are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with,
and it’s the truest of all with your friendship group.
If yours are happy, go-getting, kind, or whatever values you hold in the highest regard – their influence will help you be better.
They Are A Listening Ear
Less influenced by the power dynamics that can be in play within the family – friends are a level playing ground, with no (hopefully) hidden agenda.
Where family members may try to ‘fix’ a problem – the value in being able to just let off steam, cry, vent, or be excited with friends is powerful.
Having Great Friends Is Good For Your Health.
People with a strong support network of friends are less likely to have unhealthy addictions and more likely to stick to health goals and aims.
Question:
Thinking about YOUR friendships – who are those 5 people you spend the most time with?
Do they have those traits you hold in high regard?
If (and we are coming to that) you find things a little lacking in the friend department (either quantity, quality – or indeed both) – what kinds of people will go on your ‘friend-to-be’ checklist.