Making new friends can be challenging, but friendships are important to your physical and emotional health. Studies show that keeping a network of close friends can make you healthier and happier and add years to your life.
If you move to a new area, getting settled in your new home or job takes a lot of time and energy. Between unpacking boxes, organizing your space, and getting the kids enrolled in a new school, meeting new people may not be at the top of your priority list. For a while, your days may be filled with necessary tasks like forwarding your mail, getting a new driver’s license, and finding a new family doctor and dentist and veterinarian for your pets. However, once you get settled in, you will likely want to discover some great restaurants, trendy coffee shops, and cool book stores where you can hang out with friends. Whatever your lifestyle or your age, it’s never to late to make new friends or reconnect with old friends through North Carolina public records.
Friendships have a big impact on your health and happiness. Studies show that close friends can provide a sense of comfort and prevent loneliness and isolation. The lack of social connections and friendships can be as damaging to your health as drinking too much alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and leading a sedentary lifestyle. According to various health studies, research shows that friends contribute more happiness and fulfillment to your life than many other factors. Developing and maintaining close friendships offers many health and lifestyle benefits including:
* Improved mood and less depression
* Reduced stress and anxiety
* Healthier, stronger immune system
* Increased chances of success
* Stronger self-confidence and self-worth
* Stronger support system as you age
* Better coping skills with illness or loss
Most people tend to make friends with other people they encounter on a regular basis at work, at school, or during social activities. All of these situations provide a good opportunity to bond with someone who shares similar interests. With today’s technology, many people, especially teens and young adults, tend to look for friendships on social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram. While these sites can provide hundreds of friend connections with the click of a mouse, online friends don’t provide the same personal benefits. Online friends can’t visit you when you’re feeling sick, give you a hug when a life crisis occurs, or celebrate special occasions with you and your family. The most powerful connections happen with face-to-face friends who can share in your everyday life experiences and important things that matter to you. If you want to live a happy, more fulfilled life, take the time and effort to build close, lasting friendships with real people who care about you.
