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When you are in a friendship, you share common interests, have fun together, and count on the other person in times of need.

Having strong friendships in your life can give you mental and emotional benefits for both you and your friend. Here are 6 benefits you can get from long-lasting positive friendships.

Having Fun

One of the benefits of friendship is spending time doing fun activities together. Engaging in activities alongside a trusted friend can create a sense of camaraderie while taking part in something you enjoy.

You can suggest activities that you have liked in the past to help broaden your friend’s interests. Likewise, your friend may invite you to activities that you may have never participated in on your own! This can help you expand your horizons and give you a chance to find new talents and hobbies.

Some examples of fun activities you can do with your friends are:

• Go out to eat
• Attend a sports game
• Having coffee at a café
• Go to an amusement park
• Attend your favorite band’s concert
• Explore festivals and local community event
• Trivia and board game nights
• Watch television

According to a mental health professional, when you are doing a fun activity with your friend, you reduce loneliness and increase socialization, which can have a positive impact on your mental health.¹   

Strengthen Mental Health

In addition to having fun, friendships can also benefit your mental health. Oftentimes, people who experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions feel as though they are unable to get help from others. However, people with strong friendships are able to find a support system to help them through difficult times.

According to 38 different studies, friendship can lessen the chances of developing depression and anxiety. Friendship can also increase your overall well-being, which can also boost your mental health. Additionally, having a strong friendship means you have someone to turn to during tough times, which can lower stress levels.²

One reason why friendships could have a positive impact on your mental health is your friend may be able to lend a helpful ear. Another reason could be that friends can help you engage in activities that will help you get your mind off your troubles.

Support

Another benefit of friendship is support. When you have a strong friendship, you can count on your friend for support during the hard times in your life.

For example, friends can give you advice when you are looking for guidance. Friends can also help you make decisions by giving you their perspective on your dilemmas and questions.

Here are some examples of having a supportive friendship:

• Being there for your friend
• Listening to your friend
• Having a mutual respect and trust
• Caring and compassionate with one another
• Providing encouragement³

Confidence Builder

Confidence can be built in those who have positive, long-lasting friendships. Friendship can give you the confidence to finish a goal that you never thought was possible. Also, a friend can praise a task that you accomplished, thereby increasing your confidence.

Additionally, friendship can help boost your self-esteem and make you feel more confident.⁴ For example, if there are times when you are feeling self-conscious about your outfit or looks, then a compliment from a friend can make you feel better and grow your self-esteem.

Friendship can also give you the confidence to try something new. Sometimes, trying something new can be scary, but with a friend by your side, it can be less difficult. With the help of your friend, you could try a new exercise or habit, or add something new to your routine.  

Accountability

Your friends will often keep you accountable for the way that you live your life. They will ask about the goals you’ve set yourself, and be the first to be honest with you if they see that you might be going down the wrong path.

For example, if you are trying to reach a goal of weight loss, your friend can help you stay on track. A friend helping you could be less intimidating than a coach or personal trainer. Your friend could exercise with you or help create a healthy diet plan. If you veer off course, your friend could gently hold you accountable for your missteps.⁵

The accountability aspect of your friendship can only work if you and your friend are accepting of each other’s feedback and observances and recognize that you are trying to help one another.⁶

Improve Physical Health

In addition to mental health, friendship is proven to benefit your physical health. People who have friends are more likely to feel happy and stick to their wellness goals.

According to multiple studies, having a solid friendship can lower your chances of heart disease, hypertension, and cancer. People without strong friends were at an increased risk of obesity, lack of physical fitness, and dementia. Further, a group of 148 studies found that those who have friendship in their lives lived longer than those who do not.⁷

Also, strong friendships can lower your stress levels. According to a recent study, having quality interactions with your friend positively correlates with less stress and better coping skills. The study found that those with less positive experiences in their friendship had a negative impact on stress and blood pressure levels.⁸

Saber Healthcare

Saber Healthcare is an organization that provides consulting services to more than 130 buildings across the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Indiana, and Delaware. To learn more about our company and services, click here.

Saber Healthcare is an organization dedicated to providing consultant services to long-term care providers. This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to be seen as professional advice. Please consult with a medical expert before relying on the information provided.

Sources

1. https://care-clinics.com/benefits-of-friends/
2. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/06/cover-story-science-friendship
3. https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/relations/the-importance-of-having-supportive-friendships/
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/friendships/art-20044860
5. https://www.verywellmind.com/the-importance-of-friendship-3024371
6. https://www.phc.edu/learnphc/03212018-friendship-essay-students-accountability
7. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-friendship#The-effect-on-physical-health
8. https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/27/health/positive-relationships-physical-health-wellness/index.html