^^ fRiEnDsSsS...!!! ^^

Friends are great to have around for many reasons and while sometimes they drive us mad, cause us stress and can be destructive, it has been found that having a close circle of friends can have certain benefits on our health. Research has found that those who don’t have a friend support system are at higher risk of health problems, such as heart disease, which can be made worse by being alone. “There’s more and more research to show that if we don’t have relationships, it’s a health risk,” says Mary Jo Kreitzer, RN, PhD, (University of Minnesota). She adds, “Some studies even suggest that being alone or isolated is as risky for your health as cigarette smoking or high blood pressure.”

Having friends is an essential part of being human. They are a great emotional crutch when we go through tough times. They are there to offer support, lift your spirits, and offer wise words and comfort when we are struggling. Pin pointing why friendships have such a big effect on survival rates is difficult. While friends can run chores and pick up medicine from a pharmacy for a sick person, it is clear that the benefits go a lot further than physical help. Closeness and the amount of contact with a friend aren’t associated with survival. Just having friends is protective.

It has also been found that friends can help and support you through stress. Sheldon Cohen, PhD, a psychology professor at Carnegie Mellon University, in Pittsburgh, demonstrated that strong social support helps people cope with stress. "Friends help you face adverse events," ... "They provide material aid, emotional support, and information that helps you deal with the stress factors. There may be broader effects as well. Friends encourage you to take better care of yourself. And people with wider social networks are higher in self-esteem, and they feel they have more control over their lives.”

Friends are also there for us when we need to talk about things that are bothering us, or when we need advice. Bottling up feelings and emotions can lead to a build up of stress, which in turn causes your blood pressure to rise. Not having friends to talk to can actually take its toll on you physically and lead to things being even worse for you than your initial worries were.

Having a good support system and group of friends can keep you energized and motivated. One of the main importance’s of motivation is to increase morale of an individual. Having close friends can raise your feelings of hope and faith and aid the general thought that things will be OK. Friends also encourage on a health front, nagging you about doctors visits and suggesting healthy lifestyles. hik3! lik lik...^^

It appears that friendship has a bigger impact on our psychological wellbeing. Bella DePaulo, (University of California) noted that in many studies, friendship has an even greater effect on health than a spouse or family member. In a study done on nurses with breast cancer, having a spouse wasn’t related with survival, but friendships were.

The message from the studies above is simple: friends make your life better. Friendships, without a doubt, shape our lives and continue to maintain them through to old age. Companionship provided by friends may ward off depression, boost self-esteem, and provide support. We can clearly see that spending time with friends is extremely beneficial to our emotional, mental and physical health. So the next time you fall out with a friend, make sure that the damage is repaired quickly. Don't let a little dispute harm a great friendship, or your life.

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