Everyone wishes to live a long life – one filled with good health, love, happiness and financial security. When these four things are missing, life feels dull and one may even begin to wish for death.
To stay healthy, people eat nutritious food, exercise regularly and go for periodic medical check-ups. We believe these habits help extend our lifespan. However, equally important to a long and happy life are our relationships especially our friendships. Studies show that genuine friendships have a positive impact on health, peace of mind and longevity.
Forming connections and sharing experiences with others are essential and joyful acts for both the mind and the body. The presence of good friends acts as a safety net in life. Sharing happy moments doubles the joy and sharing sorrow helps lighten grief. Strengthening this web of relationships has been proven to improve mental health and physical well-being.
In today’s world, stress from work, family and society often wears down both body and mind. During such times, the support of friends greatly reduces mental stress and fills the heart with peace. By lowering stress hormones in the body, friendships help regulate blood pressure and improve heart health. Long-term stress is known to contribute to heart disease, diabetes and weakened immunity.
When we communicate with friends, our brain releases hormones like serotonin and oxytocin, which bring happiness and calmness. Simple activities like spending time together, laughing, recalling old memories or taking short trips trigger the release of these hormones. As a result, depression, anxiety and loneliness decrease, while a positive mindset begins to take shape.
For older adults, one of the biggest health challenges is loneliness. The sense of isolation that comes from losing or lacking relationships affects physical health as well. Studies show that the risk of death from loneliness is even greater than that from smoking, alcohol consumption or obesity. On the other hand, people who maintain good friendships tend to have stronger immunity, better heart health and a lower risk of diseases like dementia.
In short, the positivity that friendships bring into life is invaluable. True friends inspire us, open new paths toward our goals, and give us the confidence to face failures and challenges. In today’s digital age, many connect with friends online – but genuine friendships are strengthened through real, face-to-face interactions.
Spending time together, talking directly, laughing and sharing experiences make human relationships deeper and more meaningful. Therefore, make time for your friends in your daily life. It benefits both sides equally. Never think that only the other person gains from it. Friendship is a bond where both reap the harvest.
There is hardly any other relationship that nourishes both mind and body so profoundly. A true friend is someone with whom you can share what you cannot tell your life partner or even your parents – and that is the beauty, strength, and wealth of friendship.
How to Build
Good RelationshipsGood friendships do not form automatically. They require conscious effort and sincere intention. So, what can we do to nurture them?
• Be willing and make an effort to maintain friendships.
• Take time to meet and stay in touch with your friends.
• Be ready to listen and try to understand.
• Share in both joy and sorrow.
• Avoid ignoring or belittling your friends.
• Keep their secrets confidential.
• Be trustworthy in financial matters.
• Let go of selfishness.
