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Gender pay gap: are girls getting less pocket money?
by Michael Restin
Friendship keeps you healthy – more than any other relationship
11.9.2023
Translation: Elicia Payne
Friendship doesn’t have to be perfect. But without social interactions, humans have a greater risk of becoming sick and lonely. That’s why your circle of friends is really healthy for you.
The finding: «Our social relationships and how happy we are in them have a strong influence on our health,» says study leader Robert Waldinger, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. «It’s good to take care of your body, but taking care of relationships is also a vital way to take care of yourself.»
To celebrate this self-care, we took a closer look at the latest scientific findings from happiness and friendship research. The good news? After reading this, the next time you hang out with your mates will be extra special.
The lowdown: friends improve your health
Science journalist Lydia Denworth, who wrote a book on the science of friendship, is amazed at how much social isolation affects our immune systems. When you’re lonely, this can make your white blood cells change their behaviour, leading to more inflammation and a weakened immune response.
Socially integrated people also tend to live longer and healthier lives, have a lower risk of high blood pressure and better self-healing abilities.
Live longer and better
In contrast, the research team also noted how low social interaction overall compares to known risk factors. It appears to be equivalent to smoking about 15 cigarettes a day, alcoholism and is more harmful than physical inactivity or obesity. It was also striking that the positive influence of relatives, children and partners was significantly lower than that of friendships.
By the way, the healthy «Friends Effect» has nothing to do with age. According to the study leader, «Friendly relationships offer a certain protection for all age groups – from teens to pensioners.»
Become happier and mentally stable
Those who have an extensive social network produce more endorphins, or happiness hormones. Study leader Katerina Johnson commented, «These findings are also interesting because recent research suggests that the endorphin system may be disrupted in mental health problems such as depression. This may be one of the reasons that depressed people often withdraw socially.»
Her verdict? «It’s not just our study that suggests that the quality of our social relationships affect our physical as well as mental health and life expectancy. Therefore, it’s important to understand which neurobiological mechanisms are involved. A lack of interactions is the most overlooked factor contributing to the deteriorating health of our modern society.»
Header image: Shutterstock
Janina Lebiszczak
Autorin von customize mediahouse
oliver.fischer@digitecgalaxus.chHealth, sexuality, sports and sustainability. Delve into all aspects of this life less ordinary with the right amount of curiosity, humour and a pinch of salt.
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