Studies show allowing friendships to fade away in stressful times is harmful to mental, emotional, and physical health. During turbulent times, stress hormones spike. Being with a friend reduces the levels of these negative hormones. Friends can also help increase life span. Psychologists estimate the chance of dying over a ten year period increases for people who live socially isolated lives compared with people who have a strong support network. The socially isolated tend to have more difficulty fighting off infections, have higher rates of cancer, heart disease, strokes, and heart attacks. Engaging in a weekly activity or club, volunteering, and getting out with a pet dog are all ways to meet new friends.
Read full article here: Friends Nourish the Body and Soul
