As the saying goes, “We get by with a little help from our friends.” This is more than just a beautiful sentiment, there is scientific proof that friendship improves our lives in many ways!
[clickToTweet tweet=”Friendships can literally change us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Learn more here.” quote=”The happiness, support, and connection we get from our bff’s can literally change us physically, emotionally, and spiritually.”]
And if you don’t already know how valuable your friendships are, here are three reasons to celebrate all of the wonderful friendships in your life!
Friendships improve your physical health.
Having friends to support you during difficult times can make all the difference in bearing your burden successfully. According to a 2011 study published in Developmental Psychology, having the support of a friend during a stressful time can lift your spirits by actually lowering the cortisol levels in your body. Research has also shown that strong friendships can help you when you’re battling a disease, at risk for dementia or are experiencing depression.
Friendships boost your mood.
Researchers at Concordia University have discovered that reaching out to others and forming new friendships can increase the oxytocin levels in your body. According to Happify.com, people who spend 6-7 hours a day with family and friends are 12% happier overall than those who spend more time alone.
Friendship is contagious and builds connection.
Karyn Hall, Ph.D., director of the Dialectical Behavior Therapy Center in Houston, Texas, says that friends can help you feel connected by showing you that you are part of something bigger. “A sense of belonging to a greater community improves your motivation, health and happiness,” she wrote in a Psychology Today blog. “When you see your connection to others, you know that all people struggle and have difficult times. You are not alone. There is comfort in that knowledge.”
So, do yourself a favor and reach out to a friend today to tell her how much her love and support means to you. It will be good for both of you!
If you are looking for a great gift idea to express your gratitude and love to a special friend, check out my art print that features the quote “A friend is one who overlooks your broken fence and admires the flowers in your garden.”
Kathy Sweeney says
My friend, who is also my sister is my best friend. As I have so much on my plate. A new diagnosed health condition with no cure, my husband is ill, my daughter just fractured her foot and needs me to help her, I’m just recovering from hand surgery, and our finished basement just started flooding. My plate is so overflowing. She has been my biggest ally, reminding me I am surrounded by so much love. I come from a head strong, stubborn family. She reminded me, I have the strength, courage and love from my family to help me get through everything! God has chose me to handle all this! . She is always there for me, to remind me I am so lucky to have a new doctor who found what was wrong with me. I have the love of her and my family to help me anytime I need it. She is there for me, anytime, anywhere. Her backing me at all times reminding me I will prevail. What better way to tell her I love her, respect her and thank God for her every day. She is my true friend, and confident who I love and respect more then anything.
Bonnie Lecat says
Kathy, thank you so much for sharing your story. Life sometimes deals us such a challenging hand! God bless you and your sister! It’s so wonderful to have friends in our lives that we can lean on when the going gets tough. When they are sisters, it is even better:) xo
Linda Meyers-Gabbard says
Such a beautiful sentiment
Bonnie Lecat says
Thank you, Linda!
Kathy Sweeney says
Oh, I tweeted my story. Tweet limits wording so I shortened my version.
Linda Meyers-Gabbard says
I don’t see my post.
I love the sign. It says a lot about us as humans. Knowing I have friends liker that guves me a,sense if security. I love.my friends dearly and would do anything for them as they would do the same for me.
laura gaffke says
This is such a beautiful post Bonnie! I love the print, the sentient~everything! Friendship means the world to me! Thanks for sharing! xo Laura 🙂
p.s. Shared with my friends on FB
Bonnie Lecat says
Thanks so much, Laura!
Kathy Sweeney says
A friend is someone who loves you no matter what. They are there for you anytime, day and night. They know your deepest secrets and can finish your thoughts for you. They know when you need them and call at the perfect time when they are needed. A friend is like no other! We all need friends and should be that friend to others!
Sharing on fb
Bonnie Lecat says
That’s beautiful, Kathy! Thanks so much for your lovely thoughts:) xo
Paulette says
I met Leah in 1978 and she moved 1800 miles away two years later. Over the years we have remained BF and grew our friendship through letters (that was before texting folks), phone calls (when you paid per minute) and visits (where we shared the $ cost of the trip). So here we are 40 years later and still BFF.
Paulette says
BTW — I shared on FB … Paulette
Bonnie Lecat says
thank you, Paulette!!
Bonnie Lecat says
That’s awesome! Thanks so much for sharing:) Sounds like you have a treasure in your friendship there. “Make new friends but keep the old. One is silver, the other gold.”