They say that family is an important part of nearly everyone's life, but just how important is it? With the upcoming holidays arriving closer with each passing day, you may be thinking about your family a LOT! As a matter of fact, regular family reunions and social gatherings, as well as more personal relationships, can have a significant and beneficial impact on your overall health and well-being ... even if those gatherings include your not-so-favorite in-laws!
This improved health starts with you: by taking a genuine interest in the people in your life, you will set the wheels in motion. Many research studies have proven that actually having an interest in developing meaningful, lasting relationships can greatly improve your outlook on life as well as your long term health. The advantages, once examined, make perfect sense. You will generally be in a better mood if you are surrounded by loved ones, and this elevated happiness results in less stress ... which can lead to a lower risk of developing a whole host of medical conditions.
Not only that, but being responsible with your relationships, like remembering things like birth dates, phone numbers, gift ideas and clothing sizes (therefore “exercising” your brain), can also help with better long term memory – especially in terms of those who you love the most.
When the Going Gets Tough . . .
Having healthy relationships truly matter when times get tough. Communication among friends and family can protect us during hard times – whether those hard times are related to finances, emotions or physical health. Studies have proven that people who have very few social ties are nearly twice as likely to die from heart disease compared to those who have a better social life, and the more isolated individuals are twice as likely to catch colds, even though they are exposed to fewer germs! So there should be no surprise that not only can relationships affect your mental health, they also play a role in your physical health by affecting areas like your heart condition, stress levels and immune system.
How Much is Enough?
Doctors and health care professionals advise that you achieve at least six hours of “social time” each day. While it might seem like a lot of precious time to invest, keep in mind that this social time can include work, talking on the phone, sending or receiving emails, participating in online social networks, and perhaps most beneficial, talking to family and friends in person.
In addition to having benefits to your health, creating and maintaining strong relationships can also boost your success in the workplace. Studies have shown that over thirty percent of the work force has a best friend at work. It was found that those who did have a best friend at work are seven times as likely to be involved in their jobs and exhibit much higher quality work compared to those that didn't. Of course, this higher productivity level could result in promotions, pay raises and other incentives.
So don’t shun or fear spending time with your family and friends this holiday season ... it REALLY IS good for you!