When we look at setting out to improve our overall health and wellbeing as well as the daily grind of work and family life, the first aspects in which we usually as humans look at focusing on is our diet, exercise patterns, sleep and schedule to look at ways at improving these aspects in our life and setting ourselves time frames to achieve these new routines in our daily lives.
But when we look at these aspects of changing our lives, we can often forget about the time or connections in which we spend with our friends that can also have a positive impact on our mental, emotional and overall health.
In today’s blog we will be looking at how spending time with friends can actually help your mental health.
Good friends are good for your mental health. They can help you celebrate the good times and offer support during the bad times. Friends can prevent loneliness and give you a chance to offer needed companionship too.
The positive aspects of spending time with friends are:
- Improving your Mood
When you spend time with happy and positive friends, they can help elevate your mood and boost your outlook on life
- Reduces Stress and Depression
By having an active social life, it can help bolster your immune system and help reduce isolation, which is a major contributing factor to depression
- Boosting Self-Worth
Friendship is a two way street, and the “give” side of the give and take contributes to your own sense of self-worth. Being there for your friends makes you feel needed and adds purpose to your life.
- Reaching your Goals
Whether it’s trying to get fit, start a new hobby, or otherwise improve your life, encouragement from a friend can really boost your willpower and increase your chances of success.
Amanda Ogden is from Sydney Australia, and has spent the past 13 years working within the welfare industry in both administration and case management assisting people with mental health issues, mild intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injuries, drug & alcohol, homelessness gain employment. She also loves travelling, creating jewellery, music, friends and family.
Defying Shadows 