As we get older and the responsibilities of life, work, and self-care continually increase, it can be very difficult to maintain friendships. However, maintaining healthy friendships is well worth the effort and has a significant impact on both our physical and mental health.<\/p>\n
First, and most obviously, friends help us dispel our loneliness. According to recent census data, nearly 30% of homes are occupied by a single adult. Some studies show that we may be becoming more and more isolated. Regardless of the reasons behind why (modern technology, online shopping\u2026 the theories abound!), the important cure is developing and\/or maintaining our social connections. Something as simple as interacting with the cashier, your server, or the bank teller can have positive effects (unless the person is entirely unpleasant). But most importantly, maintaining our relationships with friends has the most profound effect.<\/p>\n
A good friend is not only entertaining to hang out with, they can help provide much needed moral support through the difficulties of life. Having someone trusted to help deal with trauma or lows in life is hugely beneficial in fostering positive mental health. But it\u2019s not only trauma that friends are important for, it\u2019s also the good moments. Big or small, having a friend to share in the beautiful moments in life helps deepen our connections with each other and helps to provide our life with a sense of purpose.<\/p>\n
The quality of friends is of more value than the quantity. Unfortunately, some fall into the trap of maintaining relationships with manipulative, unempathetic people. This can actually lead to a deeper sense of loneliness and lack of purpose. \u201cFriends\u201d who constantly use us and never show appreciation, or consistently gaslight you, rob you of your time, energy, and purpose. It can be difficult to recognize these toxic traits, and even more difficult to address them with these people. If they refuse to improve, it\u2019s best to move on and seek new, healthy friendships (though understandably easier said than done). What makes a good friend is beyond the scope of this article, but it\u2019s safe to say that, at the very least, they appreciate not only your time but who you are.<\/p>\n
Moving to a new town or country is just one of many reasons we may need to find new friends. It can be difficult to find the time with our modern lives, but it\u2019s important to get involved in communities that share your interests. Whether it\u2019s joining a class, a local worship center, a martial arts school, or events centered around your hobbies, the key is to get out to where \u201cyour\u201d people are.<\/p>\n
Lack of social connections can compound the feelings of depression and isolation, which can in turn have a real impact on your physical health. So whether it\u2019s making the effort to meet up with friends this weekend, hitting up your old pal, or volunteering at an event to meet new people, be sure to keep up the effort to keep up your friendships!<\/p>\n
Photo by\u00a0Priscilla Du Preez\u00a0on\u00a0Unsplash<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As we get older and the responsibilities of life, work, and self-care continually increase, it can be very difficult to maintain friendships. However, maintaining healthy friendships is well worth the effort and has a significant impact on both our physical and mental health. First, and most obviously, friends help us dispel our loneliness. According to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":1485,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n