Friendship: The Key to Self-Care

It might seem absurd to put friendship in the same category as gratitude, rest, fitness or diet; and yet, it is every inch as important to our emotional and physical health. According to one of the longest running surveys of all time, the Harvard Study of Adult Development, close relationships have a huge impact on lifetime wellness – outweighing factors such as money, diet, IQ or even genes. In an age of burnout, self-care is vital. The relationships we have throughout life act as a buffer to life’s ups and downs, helping to boost mood and build resilience. According to a 2010 review of research, the effect of social ties on life span is twice as strong as that of exercising, and equivalent to that of quitting smoking on overall wellness. On the flip side, loneliness has the same impact on mortality as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

The Positive Impact of Friendship
​Friendship is a key coping mechanism for life’s tougher moments – so much so that it impacts our physical, as well as emotional, wellbeing. It’s closely linked to other core happiness principles, too; for example, developing a sense of purpose and belonging. We humans are social animals, but we typically underestimate the positive impact of connecting with others. Science shows that quality not quantity counts when it comes to creating the kind of cozy intimacy and belonging that will sustain you through life. Being around friends is an important part of self-care. In this ‘space’ you can let go and relax. Being able to be truly yourself calms down the nervous system. It’s a healthy break from the non-stop thoughts in your head and brings you back into the here-and-now, and back into your body.