Friends and Health: How Pals Promote Longevity

on July 31, 2015

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Wait? You Mean to Say...

That's right, folks. Friends are the new vitaminsu2013gotta get that daily dose. While we all have the one who calls for another round or tempts you to get ice cream, friends have a lot to do with your health and can even help improve your wellbeing. Whether your gym buddy, your go-to for when you need to vent, or just someone who makes you laugh, friends are always there to help you be a better you!

 

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Relax & De-Stress

Friends hold the key to happiness. Together you share memories, laugh WAY too much, smile more, enjoy each others' company, vent to one another, and much moreu2013and all of these can help you relax and de-stress. They're just the thing you need to help unwind after a busy day or week. Living a more relaxing life does wonders for your mental and physical health, so kick back with your pals because it's always worth the while.

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Inspire One Another to Eat Healthy

While friendships often involve drinking or ice cream at one point or another, friends really can help inspire you to change up your diet for the better! If you go out to eat together, you can go splits on big portions or share giant salads to add a little more green to your routine. You could also start exchanging recipes, cooking with one another, trying new foods, and even grocery shopping together. The best part is that regardless of your dietary choices, friends won't judge you unless there's a real problem or need for an intervention (we're looking at you, chocoholic). They may even be inspired by you!

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Call One Another Out

No matter the issue, friends will always call one another out on their B.S. To lead a healthier lifestyle, it's best to have someone who can keep you accountable for anything and everything. Whether you're unreasonably angry, lying to yourself or others, being unnecessarily bossy, or whatever the case, a good friend can reign you back in and make sure you stay true to yourself. Being called out is a humbling feeling, but sometimes a reality check is in store. Friends can help you from veering off the track to make sure you to always live to be the best version of yourself.

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Get Each Other Movin'

Everybody goes through pitfalls of no motivation whatsoever. Been there, done that. Yet friends are built-in cheerleaders for our lives: they'll help you get off Netflix and back on your feet. Having a gym buddy is a great way to discover confidence while working out, learn new moves, and stay pumped about fitness. Going to the gym becomes less of a chore and more of a fun activity with your bud. Movin' and groovin' together keeps the both of you accountable for staying fit and creates a positive space where you can encourage one another to stay strong.

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Accept Insecurities, Quirks, and Flaws

We gotta admit it. We've all got quirks and insecurities, but best friends are the ones who love you despite your flaws. They accept the fact that you might be a little weird, can't sing on key, or dance a little too wildly. Because they love you, you learn to love others and yourself in the same way. You find out that life is about accepting one another and knowing that no one is perfect. With this kind of attitude, you can live happier and healthier by not getting hung up on guilt or insecure thoughts. Plus, finally accepting who you are allows you to take steps in the right direction so that you can be the best you can be.

 

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Learn Trust and Loyalty

True friends have always got your back. They're there to catch you if you fall and can help pick you back up when life gets you down. Because a loyal friend will always stand up for you, you learn to do the same, which builds up your confidence and helps you learn to defend one another. As for living healthier, having someone you can trust can help you ease up and take life with a grain of salt (and maybe even a shot of tequila). But really, we all need that one person who is there at the drop of a hat.

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Form a Support System

Having a great group of friends can create a support system that can get you through the toughest of times. We all need someone to hold on to when the going gets tough, and true friends are always right there by your side. Friends are there to help you over life's hurdles, even those as simple as trying to eat healthier. More importantly, a support system can help you through some of life's bigger struggles, like depression, alcoholism, divorce, and other things that prevent us from living our best.

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Learn to be More Considerate & Less Self-Centered

Friendship teaches a person how to be more considerate. Suddenly, the world stops revolving around "me" and the focus shifts to another person. This factor is crucial for healthy living because you learn to stop obsessing over your own matters. Focusing on yourself too much can lead to depression, anxiety, overworking yourself, and many other detrimental health effects. You learn to, in the words of Frozen, "let it go," and realize that the world doesn't revolve around you. Plus, caring for another will turn into someone caring about youu2013and everybody needs their somebody.