Learn How & Why You Need To Value Your Friendships

If you’re an “I Love Lucy” fan, then you may recall the little jingle Lucy & Ethel sang about friendships.  And if you have friends, you also know the value of friendships.  Lucy & Ethel demonstrated how special friendships can be.    Just being able to talk a close friend about difficult situations, work issues or sharing a funny moment enhances your day and your life.

The Value of FriendshipsFriends = Social Wellness & Health

Our overall health isn’t just about our mind and body, but our soul, too.  We are social creatures by nature.  It is built into us to be with others.  So when we are separated from each other, like during the COVID pandemic quarantine, we can experience physical and emotional health declines.  For instance, “researchers have linked the following health issues to poor social health:

  • Suffering a heart attack
  • Chronic disease
  • Mobility issues
  • High blood pressure
  • Raised stress hormones leading to inflammation
  • Cancer
  • Poor mental health
  • Anxiety & depression
  • Poor immune system”

As well, “…Western countries realise that life satisfaction of their citizens is just as important to measure as the Gross National Product (GDP).”  Health Insurance Fund of Australia 

Friends Benefits  The Value of Friendships

When speaking of the benefits of social contact, psychologist Susan Pinker explains:

  • Face-to-face contact releases a whole cascade of neurotransmitters and, like a vaccine, they protect you now, in the present, and well into the future, so simply […] shaking hands, giving somebody a high-five is enough to release oxytocin, which increases your level of trust, and it lowers your cortisol levels, so it lowers your stress.”  Medical News Today

Interesting isn’t it?  Our bodies respond positively when we gather together for a chat over coffee, a church service or just a friendly talk with a neighbor.  In addition, social interaction can help us develop important aspects of life, including:

  • Learning to create healthy boundaries
  • Building support networks
  • Encouragement

So the next time you’re invited to spend time with someone else, take them up on the offer.  You’ll be glad you did.

Additional Resources:

Short Videos On The Value Of Friendships

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