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Why are friendships good for us?

6 days ago

2 min read

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As the new year kicks off, the constant reminders that this is the year to change, adopt a healthier lifestyle and prioritise your well-being can feel overwhelming, especially when juggling the ever-present demands of adult life. 


With ‘For You’ pages and ‘suggested posts’ across social media being flooded with videos showcasing just about everyone effortlessly crushing their New Year Resolutions in January alone, the pressure to conquer 2025 right from the start feels more intense than ever. 


But here’s the thing, being ‘healthy’ isn’t just about going to the gym or maintaining a better diet—it’s also about prioritising the relationships that make life feel meaningful. In fact, one of the most transformative things you can do for your health in 2025 is to invest time into friendships - both new and old. Indeed, research shows that meaningful friendships are more tan just a form of companionship - they are a way of improving our health, mood and lifespan!




Science has long investigated the health benefits behind friendship, with research largely suggesting that strong, supportive connections are key to living a healthy and fulfilled life (American Psychological Association, 2023). 


While it may be obvious that spending time with our friends can make us happy, science argues that friendship isn’t just good for the soul—but for our bodies too!



Better Moods: Research shows that when we spend time with our friends, we experience an increase in dopamine levels in our brain. This ‘feel-good chemical’ boosts feelings of satisfaction and pleasure, whilst also serving to improve our moods (Brent, 2014).


Resilience against Stress: Studies have shown that people who have strong friendships and social connections display greater resilience when navigating stressful situations (Lee & Draber & Sujin, 2001). In one study, scientists discovered that when people tackled a challenging task with a friend by their side, this actually reduced stress levels—as measured by reduced heart rate reactivity—compared to going it alone (Karmack T.W. et al, 1990). 


Better Immune Functioning: It’s official, being around people is good for you, and more specifically: good for your immune system. In fact, while loneliness has been repeatedly linked to poor immune functioning, there is evidence to suggest that people who feel connected to others are at lower risk of contracting illnesses, and when they do, are able to bounce back quicker (Leschak & Eisenberger, 2019; Jaremka, 2013). For example, a study found that amongst 200 breast cancer survivors, those who had stronger friendships experienced fewer symptoms of pain, depression and tiredness than those who were lonely (Jaremka, 2013). 


Longer life span: Ever heard of the saying “one friend can change your whole life?” Well, it turns out that it has a fair bit of scientific backing! Indeed, studies have shown that friendship can boost longevity—meaning that friends really do shape our entire life course!  In a study that investigated the importance of social connection in over 300,000 participants, those who had stronger social connections were found to be 50% more likely to survive over the study’s given periods than those with weaker connections. What’s more, social connection was found to have a bigger impact on people’s well-being than alcohol, air pollution, BMI and exercise (PLOS Medicine, 2010; BBC Future, 2024). So, as the saying goes, friends really can change your whole life!





6 days ago

2 min read

E

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