The 6 Health Benefits Of Being Social

Pixabay

Whether you prefer small, intimate gatherings or you’re more of a fan of loud, boisterous parties, most of us enjoy spending time around our friends.

We know that socializing is fun, but what many people don’t realize is that spending time around other people can also play a role in your health.

Having a solid social network has been shown to have a impact both physically and mentally, and it is often lauded as the key to a long and healthy life.

Next time you feel guilty about meeting your friend for dinner instead of hitting the gym, you might want to think again. Here are six reasons why spending time socializing is good for your health.

1. You’re Less Likely To Catch A Cold

Highly social people are less likely to catch a cold, according to a study from the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology. Their research found that extroverts have the highest level of immune-system functioning.

sneeze photo
Photo by tinafranklindg

2. You’ll Fight Off Depression

Sometimes when you’re feeling down, the last thing you want to do is to go out and socialize, but research from the journal Mind, Mood & Memory shows that connecting with others helps improve your mood and fight off depression.

And when it comes to socializing, face-to-face interactions have more of an impact than emails or phone calls when it comes to mental wellbeing.

happy photo
Photo by Carmela Nava

3. You Get Better Sleep

Having trouble sleeping at night? Your loneliness may be to blame. Research from the University of Chicago found that people who are more socially isolated experience more nighttime restlessness and disruptions, even if they aren’t aware of their feelings of loneliness. The more fulfilling connections people had with others, the better they slept.

bed photo
Photo by Idhren

4. You’re More Productive

Here’s a reason to go to lunch with your coworkers or to meet a friend for coffee during your break: A study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that workers were more happy and productive when they went on breaks at the same time.

typing photo
Photo by Adikos

5. Your Brain Stays Sharper

Active socializing delays memory loss as we age, according to research from The American Journal of Public Health. Strong social ties can preserve our brain health, as social interaction can help keep us mentally engaged.

sudoku photo
Photo by Greencolander

6. You’ll Live Longer

If you’re looking to live a long and healthy life, start surrounding yourself with good friends. A study from Bringham Young University found that people with social relationships live 50 percent longer than people who are more socially isolated.

Friends can not only help you deal with stress and act as a buffer to its effects, but they can also encourage you to take better care of yourself.

elderly photo
Photo by daoro
Health, Life
,

Related posts

Buy 'Friends'-themed ice cream
'Dear Santa' letter reunited two long-lost BFFs
You and your friends can rent out an entire movie theater for just $150
Preorder the official 'Friends' advent calendar

About the Author
Carina Wolff
Carina is a health and wellness journalist based in Los Angeles. When she’s not writing, doing yoga, or exploring mountains and beaches, she spends her time cooking and creating recipes for her healthy food blog, Kale Me Maybe. Carina is also an ongoing writer for Bustle, Reader's Digest, FabFitFun, and more.

From our partners