Written By: Pavitra Sampath | Updated : April 22, 2015 3:52 PM IST
August 3 is International Friendship Day.
We all love and treasure our friends. Friendships can at times be a bit one sided, but in a healthy relationship your friend(s) can actually do you much more good than you thought. Apart from being your agony aunt, the one person who understands all the craziness that is you and a person who seems to always be there no matter what, your friend(s) can actually boost your immunity. Wondering how? Well, here are 10 reasons, scientifically explained:
They help beat stress
We live much more stressful lives as compared our parents. Whether you are working or studying, the constant race to be at the top of your game and succeed can often take a toll on your health. Stress affects our body in a number of ways, and one such way is by affecting our immunity. According to the American Psychology Association, stress can affect a person's health to such an extent that you become more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections as it directly affects the way your immune system functions. This is where your friend(s) come into the picture. Not only do they help you de-stress in a way that suits you, but their mere presence can have an effect on the way you feel. The lowering of stress directly relates to a stronger immunity. So, the next time you are feeling stressed, try having a friend over for some quality time together.
Keep depression at bay
In his book 'YOU: The Owner's Manual', Dr Mehmet OZ, cardiologist, says that depression is one of the biggest killers of your immune system. The blues have such a powerful effect on your body that it makes you more susceptible to infections. This happens because depression inhibits the fighting ability of your immune system's T-cells (fighter cells). A friend can go a long way in keeping depression at bay. Not only will he/she be there in your hour of need, but he/she will also be ready to hear you out if and when you need to simply get something off your chest. Apart from that, doctors say that being alone can push a person closer to depression, and having a companion is the best way to stop that progression.
Help you be less anxious
If you are a person who prefers to be alone most of the time, you are probably not doing your immune system any favours. According to one study, less human connections (or meeting and interacting with very few people in a day) can make you anxious, depressed and more importantly ill. According to the study, people with six or more human connections were found to have fewer incidences of cold, cough and other common viral infections. This goes to prove that your friend(s) is one of the most important things in your life that keeps you going and healthy. So, make an effort to keep in touch with your friends and if possible make new ones too.
Get rid of aggression and negative thoughts
Bottling up your emotions can be very detrimental to your health. Not only does it increase the amount of stress you experience, but it also reduces the number and quality of killer T-cells within your body (the cells that help run your immune system). According to experts, what really helps is to just have an argument or simply speaking your mind to someone who is willing to listen. This is where your friend can help a great deal. All you need to do is have a chat, tell them about what's bothering you and you can then expect your levels of immunity to soar.
Make you laugh
We all know that laughter is the best medicine, but there is actually some scientific evidence to prove the fact. A study performed at the Loma Linda University School of Medicine found that positive emotions and laughter actually helps decrease the amount of stress hormone in a person's body, increased the presence of certain immune cells and activated certain other immune cells too. And the best person to make you laugh is your friend. Choose to meet up with your friends every once in a while for a good laugh.
Help you quit smoking
Smoking is very bad for your health; we all know that, and if you have a friend who tells you to quit then they are probably right. But did you know that second hand smoke can be even more damaging to your health than you thought. Not only does it put you at risk of suffering from diseases like cancer, but it also chips away at your immune system. So listen to your buddy, quit while you can and don't expose them to those toxic fumes as well.
Make you stick to your fitness goal better
If you have a fitness goal you want to attain, try achieving it with a friend. Having a friend along will not only help you stick to your goal, but will also provide you with much needed support through the tough times. What's more is the fact that exercising can actually help you beat depression (due to the happy hormone it helps release) and improves your immunity. Read more about how you can work out with a friend.
Make you a happier person
Being sad and a pessimist can actually kill you. Yes, always being negative and sad has a profound effect on your body and health, not only does it make you more prone to illnesses, but pessimism can lead to depression and a weaker immune system. Friends can help with this too. Since they are people who understand you completely, they are most likely to be able to get you out of your pessimistic phase and help you see the brighter side of things.
Help you make healthy food choices
A study found that when you eat together, you tend to emulate your companion's eating behaviour. This is basically because they tend to influence the choices you make food-wise. How does it help your immunity you ask? Well, eating the right foods can actually boost your immunity. So dig in, and eat healthy.
They may just be what you need in the bedroom as well
These are kinds of friends that are known as 'friends with benefits'. The whole concept works around the notion that while you're both friends, you can satiate each others sexual desires without the complications of a relationship. Sounds good, doesn't it? Well, having this kind of friendship does have a few more perks than simply rollicking between the sheets. Sex is a wonderful thing and it has a number of health benefits, including giving your immunity that all-essential boost. So, if you have a friend who comes with this added benefit , then you have hit the immunity jackpot. Not only will this relationship help you stay healthy, but it will also make you happy.
Photo source: Getty images
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