The strength of your friendship is as critical for your health as the lifestyle choices you make. ” The higher the quantity and quality of your realtionships the longer you live” says Bert Uchino, a psychologist at the University of Utah.
Low levels of social interaction have the same effects as smoking 15 cigaretts a day
– and worse effects than being obese or not exercising.
But its not just how many relationsships you have thats important- the type is also key, according to Uchino’s research. He recorded the blood pressure of 88 woman in a stressful situation ( preparing to give speach) and found that readings spiked less when a close friend was available to offer participants encouragement than when they were with a friend they perceived as less supportive.
The finding suggests that close friendships may have protective effects on our cardiovascular systems, especially in times of anxiety. ” Stress has potentially negative effects on health and well-being.” Uschino says, but knowing your friends have your back can help prevent such fallout.
One I write to everyday is Katariina. A bit of same story, same back up from one and the other…
Important to have understandings, never judging, and be straight forward#truerelations/starts/fromthere.
” Funny, that we have known each other in 13 years, born the same year. Me the 10. You the 12 of january. And our scorpions on the same date 🙂 !
