Friendship makes you live longer!

Bold claim I know but hear me out..

I came across some research the other day that gave me a bit of an ahuh! moment. You see I have always known that I get energy from people so this is something I had always felt but had never known for sure. Thankfully I tracked down some research from some reputable sources like the Mayo Clinic and Harvard Medical School to back up my assumption.

People with strong social connections tend to be healthier, live longer, and have better coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and trauma.

Physical Health and Longevity

Strong social ties can significantly impact physical health. Studies have shown that people with robust social support are happier, have fewer health problems, and live longer. For example, a study involving over 309,000 participants found that a lack of strong relationships increased the risk of premature death by 50%, comparable to the health risks of smoking 15 cigarettes a day and greater than the risks associated with obesity and physical inactivity (“) (“)

Mental Health

Friendships can also help protect against mental health issues such as depression and cognitive decline. Research has demonstrated that social support can mitigate feelings of loneliness and reduce the severity of depression and PTSD symptoms. Additionally, older adults with larger social networks and frequent social activities tend to have better cognitive function (“) (“)

Coping Mechanisms

Close friendships provide essential emotional support, helping individuals cope with grief and other significant life challenges. Social support is crucial for resilience, enabling people to recover more effectively from difficult situations. This support can range from practical help to emotional comfort, significantly impacting an individual’s ability to manage stress

Healthy Behaviors

Friends can encourage and model healthy behaviors, such as regular physical activity and good dietary habits. Social connections can also provide motivation and accountability, as people are more likely to take care of themselves when they know others are depending on them.

This research really highlights to me that we shouldn’t be leaving our social group to chance. Having a strong group of people around you will make you happier & healthier which is where I want you to be so you can do your best work. If you have been struggling to find your people professionally perhaps Emtota can help you fast track that process through our Connection Circles? Our special system can match you into groups of 8 female founders where you connect regularly keeping each other accountable and inspired.