5 Reasons And Ways To Spend More Time With Your Friends

The health benefits of spending time with friends are well-documented and range from reducing stress to improving brain function. So if you’re looking for ways to improve your health, spending more time with your friends should be at the top of your list. Here are five reasons and ways to spend more time with your friends to reap all the health benefits:

1. Reduces Stress:

When you’re around friends and people you love, your body releases oxytocin, also known as the “cuddle hormone” or the “love hormone.” Oxytocin has been shown to reduce stress levels and promote feelings of calmness and relaxation. So next time you’re feeling stressed out, meet up with your friends and wait for the hormone magic to hit! Talking about your problems can also provide emotional support and help you find solutions to stressful situations.

2. Improves Brain Function:

Spending time with your friends has been shown to improve brain function in several ways. Social interaction has also been linked with increased cognitive flexibility and enhanced problem-solving skills. Brain function and things like creativity can often decrease when you spend all your time alone without any other human interaction. Therefore, if you want to keep your mind sharp, hanging out with friends is a great way to do it!

3. Boosts Immunity:

One of the health benefits of spending time with friends is that it can help boost your immunity. Your immune system functions better when you have strong social relationships, and the stress-reducing effects of spending time with your friends can also contribute to a stronger immune system. You can spend time with your friends practicing self-care, hitting the gym together, or even just getting together once a week for a tasty, healthy meal.

4. Lowers Risk Of Depression:

Feeling lonely and isolated can lead to an increased risk of depression, while strong social relationships have been shown to lower the risk. Spending time with friends not only helps prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation but also promotes self-esteem and a sense of belonging. Make sure to keep in touch with your friends regularly and make plans to hang out so you’re not left feeling alone and disconnected. Getting together can mean anything from a movie night to a hiking trip as long as you’re hanging out with the people you care about.

5. Increases Happiness:

Finally, spending time with your friends has been linked with increased happiness levels. People who have strong social relationships are happier than those who don’t have strong social ties. And it’s not just the act of hanging out that contributes to increased happiness levels, but also the anticipation and planning leading up to the hangout. You can plan to host a get-together with your friends. Make sure you have a margarita in a can, some snacks, good music, and even board games to keep things fun and entertaining. Or, try going on a group adventure like camping or a road trip to have new and exciting experiences with your friends.

Spending time with your friends offers a multitude of benefits that are essential for good health! So next time you’re thinking of blowing off your friends to spend another Friday night on your own, remember the benefits and make plans to hang out instead.