Three reasons why friendship is so important
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – When I decided to make the move from New York to Indiana I was … a little nervous.
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All of my friends and family are back east. During my first few months here, I went to work then home to Boone (my dog) and the occasional FaceTime with my parents. But then I met the lovely Amber Hankins (for those of you who don’t know, Amber is the host of WISH-TV’s Indy Style show). And I am now grateful to say I have a friend here in Indiana!
My dad once told me if you can count the number of friends — I mean real friends — you have on one hand consider yourself lucky. He followed it by saying all you really need is one. The best of friends enrich our lives, teach us things and challenge us to be better people.
Below is just a short list highlighting the importance of friendship.
Friends Improve Your Physical Health
Close friends can ward off health conditions including heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Studies even show people with strong relationships have half the risk of premature death from all causes. Loneliness and social isolation are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. So make sure you have your circle and keep them close.
Friends Can Boost Your Confidence
We’ve all had our days when we’re riddled with self-doubt and insecurities. When you find yourself feeling this way, reach out to someone you love and trust for a self-esteem boost. They’ll be there to pick you up, dust you off and remind you how amazing you are and how much you have to offer to this world.
Friends Push You To Be A Better Person
Great friends want you to grow into the best version of yourself. They challenge us to do better and be better. What’s more, a friend’s positive values can rub off. For example, if they are kind and generous, friendly and ambitious, studies show you are more likely to embrace and develop these same values.