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The first Sunday of every August is dedicated to celebrating friendships. Although probably passed unnoticed by most, it is a reminder of the importance loved ones have in our lives. Researchers are investing increasing amounts of time to determine the cause for the strong link between friendships and overall health.
With social focus mainly on family and marriage, the impact friends have on our lives is often ignored. However, some experts believe friendships have a larger psychological impact on our well-being than familial ties. A psychology professor, Bella DePaulo, focuses research on single people and friendships. Through many studies, she has discovered friendship can have a greater effect on health than a spouse or other family member. As the saying attests: Friends are the family we choose for ourselves. Evidently, a strong statement, indeed.
A six-year study of 736 middle-aged men found attachment to a single person did not affect the risk of heart attack and fatal coronary heart disease. However, friendships did. Lack of social support was as significant a risk factor as smoking. Wow!
Perhaps because these folks are outside our familial bounds, we gain unique comfort by their presence. They can remain objective in our everyday crisis and scenarios more easily than those within our household. Also, friends are a bouquet of variety. One may be the advice-giver, another a workout buddy, another a comedian, or a health guru, a colleague, a parent. Each one has his/her strengths to share, and we call upon them (perhaps subconsciously) based on our needs.
Lighten the Load
Lighten the load with a friend by your side.
A study out of the University of Virginia took 34 students to the base of a hill and fit them with filled backpacks. They were required to estimate the hill’s steepness. Those who stood next to friends had lower estimates of the steepness than those who stood alone. Additionally, the longer the friendship’s duration, the less steep the hill appeared. A burden halved; a joy doubled.
These studies provide excellent incentive to work out with a buddy. With a companion by your side, the climber may feel less steep, the miles on the treadmill less tiring, and the reps less strenuous. You may be capable of working out longer and harder with a friend at your side. Or, s/he may instigate a little competitive spirit to help you achieve your next level of fitness.
Commit Better
Although you may not be inspired to run a marathon or take up a new sport, exercising with a friend does help you commit to fitness. Research proves those who work out with a fitness partner better maintain a consistent fitness routine. The benefits do not require you to always visit the Center in unison. Meeting for one class out of your weekly routine can be enough to keep motivated all other days.
Take advantage of Center incentives to bring a friend. Special events or classes often allow members to bring a guest. You will have the benefit of a friend’s company. Your friend may have the long-term benefit of being introduced to fitness. Nutrition seminars and health fairs also provide opportunities to invite friends to participate in your healthy lifestyle. Both of you can reap the reward of spending time on self-improvement through healthier living.
If you don’t know anyone at your fitness level, take note of others who enjoy similar exercise equipment or classes. Befriend them! It is easier to form strong connections with those who share similar interests. If they are working out when you do, their schedule is probably also similar to yours. A simple exchange can lead to conversations. Eventually, you may seek out each other and look forward to updates on your progress or the latest sports talk.
Goal support!
A workout buddy also may help improve your health by acting as a companion in your wellness journey. Spend time among those who share your values, or possess characteristics you’d like to have. This is an effective way to nourish yourself to be your best and reach goals. If you spend time with happy, healthy people, by nature you will be inclined to be happy and healthy. Research proves the opposite true also: If you surround yourself with negativity, it is easy to succumb to the same negative state, including picking up negative habits along the way.
Recover Easier
A study of approximately 3,000 nurses with breast cancer found women without close friends were four times as likely to die from the disease as those with 10 or more friends. Proximity and frequency of contact with friends was not associated with survival. Worry not– if your friends are few and far away, they still radiate positivity.
