Lifestyle: Friends are our chosen family. They are our partners in crime, our biggest cheerleaders and our shoulder to cry on. Needless to say, spending time with your friends can instantly improve our mood. “Friendships are essential for our mental health. They not only protect us from loneliness and isolation but they also increase our self-esteem, confidence and resilience,” wrote therapist Gianna Lalotta. Here’s how
Friends can boost mental health and make us happier.
We turn to friends when we’re upset. They help us see things from a new perspective – this can reduce stress levels and increase happiness. Humans are wired to be social creatures. Being around friends helps us overcome loneliness and develop a sense of community. Relying on our friends during difficult times helps us cope better with difficult situations and emerge as a better person. Achievements and successes feel bigger when our close friends are with us to cheer us on and celebrate our accomplishments. Supportive friends create an environment where they boost each other’s confidence, self-esteem, and motivation. This makes us feel important and valued.
