Do you have a network of friends that you can hang out with, share your deepest secrets with and who support you through all of life’s ups and downs?
Social contact and friendship are good for your health and according to Dr. Andrew Weil, people who fail to establish meaningful connections have more illness. Those who have strong social ties tend to be the happiest people.
We all want to share our joy, excitement, pain and sorrow with a supportive friend. There are some loners who prefer being without friends, but they are a true minority. A report from the University of Chicago illuminated some startling facts about loneliness:
- Associated with progression of Alzheimer’s Disease
- Obesity
- Elevated blood pressure
- Diminished immunity
- Increased vascular resistance
- Depression
- Poor quality of sleep
Who is your best friend? Some people find themselves with virtually no real friends, only acquaintances through work, their children’s school or church. Life gets in the way and friendship takes time and effort to nurture. Children, work and family take up the bulk of our energy and time unless we consciously weave friendship into our priorities.
Once you’ve made the decision to have more friends, make it a priority. Let go of the preconceived idea about who your friend should be; maybe they will be older or younger than you or richer or poorer. Invite someone to coffee or lunch and take the time to get to know the person before making a judgment. If you want to be healthy, hang out where the fit and healthy people do and if you want to tap into your creative side, take an art class.
Smile, make eye contact and say hello. People will know if that you are genuine. Have fun… you deserve it.