Mental health benefits of spending time with friends

Maintaining good mental health is essential for a happy and fulfilling life. While there are many keys to great mental health, one important factor is spending time with friends. 

Studies show that people who are socially active and engaged experience significant mental health benefits.

For instance, Dr. Sanjay Gupta highlights in his book Keep Sharp that spending time with friends can help reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Having close friends in your life provides an opportunity to share your thoughts, frustrations, and challenges without feeling vulnerable. Simply talking to someone you trust can have a profound impact on your mental health and leave you feeling energized and empowered.

Friends can also offer valuable insight and wisdom to help you navigate life’s difficulties. This support can be instrumental in resolving problems and finding solutions to challenges. It’s important to cultivate friendships with people you trust and respect. 

The Secret to Happiness

The Secret to Happiness

For me, I have a few close friends who I can talk to openly and honestly. If you have at least one person in your life like this, consider yourself lucky – many people don’t have even one true friend.

To attract good friends and maintain strong relationships, it’s essential to be a good friend yourself. Adding value to your friends’ lives, being a good listener, and showing unconditional love and acceptance can help you build and sustain strong connections.

I live in Chicago, but when I visit India, I make sure to spend time with my old school and college buddies. We keep in touch via WhatsApp, even though we are spread across the world. Spending time with friends is an important part of my mental health routine.

In conclusion, if you want to improve your mental health, make sure to prioritize spending time with friends. Nurture your relationships, and always strive to be a true friend who adds value and supports those around you.