Friends Keep Friends Healthy
August 5, 2010
That’s right! Friends keep friends healthy – but not just through encouragement of a healthy lifestyle. A new study suggests that satisfying social relationships may be as important as not smoking when it comes to your lifespan, according to this article on CNN Health.
Amidst a full schedule of work, kids, a significant other, exercise, keeping on top of chores and everything else going on, it can be hard to invest time in friends. Here are a few suggestions for integrating social relationships into an already-busy week:
- Work out with a friend – Call up a friend or two and schedule a weekly or bi-weekly walk / trip to the gym. Chatting on the elliptical or while walking through a park will help keep your oxygen flowing, and provide some mental stimulation.
- Carpool – Does a coworker live near you? Take turns driving! Not only will this keep gas costs down and help out the environment, but it will help you get to know a coworker a little better, outside the confines of the job.
- Share a Meal – Everyone’s got to eat, so why not turn it into a social engagement? Invite another family over for some good food and good conversation.
What other suggestions do you have for spending time with friends during an already-busy week?
Comments
One Response to “Friends Keep Friends Healthy”
Got something to say?
Another suggestion is to offer a hand with anything – moving, yard work, etc. It’s a great way to help a friend in need AND get some socializing in.