The Importance of Friends and “Me” Time
The Importance
of Friends and "Me" Time
The Importance
of Friends and "Me" Time
Friendships enrich
your life and promote an overall sense of well-being. They provide the
opportunity to bond with others, increasing our sense of belonging and purpose.
Friends create a personal support system which increases self-confidence and
self-worth, promotes trust, and helps us cope with life’s traumas.
Photo by: Phyfe Photography
Developing and maintaining good friendships takes time and effort, quality over quantity is most successful. The comfort and enjoyment a good friendship offers is worth the investment. When we have people to share our successes and failures with – support and validation from others can enhance our self-worth, self-esteem and overall confidence allowing us to grow and be happy. Good feelings about ourselves also allow us to have more gratitude and promotes giving to others.
These emotional support systems provide tremendous physical benefits as well. Studies show those who are confident and have a support system of friends enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Caring about yourself promotes better nutrition, motivation to improve oneself and help others, enjoy physical activities such as walking, yoga or sports with friends. These are the foundations of good physical health – supporting a healthier blood pressure, digestive and immune system, and less aches and pains.
Photo by: Phyfe Photography
According to the Mayo Clinic – Aug 2019, “Adults with strong social support have a reduced risk of many significant health problems, including depression, high blood pressure and an unhealthy body mass index (BMI). Studies have even found that older adults with a rich social life are likely to live longer than their peers with fewer connections.
“Me” time is just as important to emotional and physical health and wellness. Self care, whether it be reading, mani-pedi, meditation, massage or just sitting by yourself with a cup of coffee (or wine) and reflecting privately is paramount for our personal well-being. Life is busy. Full of distractions. To be on the go for too long can fog up our purpose, cloud our path and can cause resentments that may or may not be present. We all need a moment to reflect and reset – keep in touch with our intentions and make sure we are on the path we want. That “Me Time” – is where we catch ourselves in our life’s journey and decide what is working and what isn’t working – and then reframe what isn’t working and celebrate what is ❤️
