5 Meaningful Ways Your Friends Can Help Improve Your Mental Health
As social creatures, forging meaningful connections is key to our mental wellbeing and overall happiness. Friends can be especially instrumental in providing the comfort and validation we need. This blog post will showcase 5 ways friends help improve your mental health.
Listen listen listen
Everyone deserves a listening ear that will offer support without reproach. Studies conducted by the American Psychological Association demonstrate that being able to converse with companions about our issues has a positive impact on one’s stress and perseverance – this is why it is so essential for friends to provide us with secure spaces where we can open up without criticism from those who are not involved in the situation.
Through its research, the APA discovered that individuals who had a confidant they could discuss their issues with experienced significantly reduced amounts of stress and greater levels of resilience than those lacking such an influence in their lives.
Self-care
Self-care is essential to sustaining positive mental health, and our friends can be invaluable in its practice. Whether it’s taking a breather from work or school, obtaining sufficient restful sleep, or partaking in physical activities – they provide us with the inspiration and motivation we need to prioritize ourselves over any other activity. Friends are instrumental in keeping us accountable for practicing self-care so that we remain vibrant inside out!
Research conducted by Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing has made a remarkable discovery – that having supportive friends can significantly enhance self-care activities and mental health outcomes.
Everyday chores
Friends are a vital part of our lives. They offer practical support which could make all the difference, from helping with chores to fetching groceries when we feel overwhelmed – their aid can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels. Research conducted at University of Michigan has demonstrated that receiving assistance from friends is highly beneficial for improving mental health and overall life satisfaction.
According to the research done by University of Michigan, receiving tangible help from your friends can bring about a notable decrease in stress levels and mental wellbeing.
Offer Your Presence
Even if your friends cannot offer you tangible forms of help, they can still be a trustworthy source of comfort and security. Their presence is enough to show that they care about you – listening or just being there for you when necessary can make all the difference in times of trouble.
The Journal of Social and Personal Relationships conducted research that revealed the advantages of having emotionally supportive friends nearby to improve one’s sense of well-being while reducing depression symptoms.
Embrace Our Achievements
When we achieve success, it’s essential to acknowledge our accomplishments with those close to us. Recent research conducted at University of California Berkeley revealed that celebration not only boosts self-esteem and induces positive feelings but also enhances overall mental health.
The University of California’s research confirms that when we celebrate successes together, it encourages more positive emotions and improved mental health.
Ultimately, friends can be the perfect remedy when it comes to mental health issues. Listening and providing non-judgmental support while encouraging self-care and applauding successes are all essential components of their role that have a remarkable influence on our state of well-being. This saying couldn’t be more accurate: “Friends are family we choose for ourselves”, especially in terms of mental wellbeing. These 5 meaningful ways that your friends can help improve your mental health can build strong friendships.