Yes, friends play a major role in our lives. Some may even say that their good friends are the most important people in their lives. A person you can laugh, cry and share everything with is precious, but did you know that there are health benefits of friendship as well?

Humans are social beings and it is very important for us to have real communication and connections with others. Hence, it is essential for us to develop nurturing relationships that last.

"The quality and quantity of your friendships can be the biggest predictor of mental and physical health," says Professor Robin Dunbar, an evolutionary psychologist at the University of Oxford, and author of Friends. He explains that enjoying time with friends encourages our brains to release endorphins, which produce opiate-like effects of relaxation and warmth. "Laughter, singing, dancing, eating and drinking together, and telling emotionally rousing stories can all trigger the endorphin system," he says.

On the other hand, not having any friends can lead to loneliness, depression and many more mental diseases.

Friendships are generally good for the heart. In a Swedish study of more than 13,000 people, it was found that people who enjoy close support from friends and family generally have fewer inflammatory chemicals in their blood. The link between social ties and inflammation seems to be especially marked in older people.

Friends help you cope with stressful situations, help you ease your anxiety and encourage healthy reactions. You can metaphorise friends as your immune boosting vitamins that help shield you from various mental health issues.

But friendships are not always a simple and straightforward medicine for good health. With time, every relationship is bound to get complicated. In the midst of a busy life, we often neglect our friends. We might have grown apart because of our other priorities.

Developing and maintaining friendships takes effort. The enjoyment and comfort friendships can provide, however, makes the investment worthwhile.
You should always choose the right friends. It doesn’t matter if you have a large group of friends. Quality over quantity should be the priority.

If you have moved on to a new city and are looking for new friends, you can try joining a community so that you can meet people with similar interests. You should never stop yourself from making new friends. Stay positive, not everyone you meet might become close to you, but they might be useful connections for the future.

Remember, it's never too late to develop new friendships or reconnect with old friends. Investing time in making friends and strengthening your friendships can pay off in better health and a brighter outlook for years to come. Take care of your mental health- take vitamin and mineral supplements that enhance your wellbeing like TGVC’s Ashwagandha product and stay happy and healthy!

Let The Good Vitamin Company be your partner in your mental health journey. We have the best vitamin supplements for mental as well as physical health. Choose good health today!