Five Surprising Health Benefits to Socializing with Others

People are innately social creatures. Even the most introverted crave social interaction from time to time. And, that’s good news. Social interaction is good for our minds, bodies and souls. In fact, studies show when you have a satisfying relationship with a romantic partner, family, friends, neighbors, co-workers or others, you’re happier, have fewer health problems and live longer.

In contrast, people who are lonely or socially isolated are linked to poorer health, depression and an increased risk for early death. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with stronger social bonds have a 50 percent increased likelihood of survival than those who have fewer social connections. The amount and quality of your relationships matter. A social connection means having meaningful and regular social exchanges, a close bond with others and a person to turn to for support in times of need.

Summa Health offers 5 ways socializing with friends and loved ones can make a positive impact on your life—both physically and mentally. There’s more to living a healthy lifestyle than simply eating well and exercising regularly. You have to connect, too.

Boosts mood and reduces stress

Socializing can reduce symptoms of depression by decreasing feelings of loneliness, isolation and anxiety. Research shows your body releases endorphins during positive social contact, similar to the physical response after a hard workout, which gives a boost of happiness, while reducing stress. That’s why people who feel more connected to others have lower levels of anxiety and depression. What’s more, the emotional support provided by social connections enables you to better cope with hard times, stress, anxiety and depression.

Improves quality of life and well-being

Increasing social interactions, such as going out with friends or joining a club, not only gives you a sense of belonging and connectedness, yet fun, to boot, to share experiences together. Plus, when people feel supported by others, they tend to have better self-esteem and a greater sense of purpose in life.

Reduces risk for chronic disease

Social connection can help prevent serious illness and outcomes. Loneliness can be a form of stress, which has been shown to increase risk factors for heart disease and many other chronic conditions, as well as weaken the immune system. Socializing strengthens your heart by lowering blood pressure and reducing inflammation, and gives your immune system a boost to help you recover from illness faster.

Slows cognitive decline

Socializing stimulates brain activity as it constantly engages and exercises the mind, which strengthens neural pathways to fight off cognitive decline. In fact, research shows older adults who regularly socialize have a better working memory, processing speed and verbal fluency.

Increases likelihood of making healthier choices

Social interactions can enhance good health through a positive influence on other’s lifestyle habits. If none of your friends smoke, you’re less likely to do so. In fact, studies show when a partner improves his or her health behaviors, such as exercising, drinking less, eating healthier, the other spouse or partner is likely to do the same.??

If you weren’t already, hopefully now you are motivated to get out there and mingle—even if it’s once in a while. Join a group focused on your interests or hobbies, take an exercise class, like yoga or tai chi, volunteer at your local church, school, library or hospital, or lend a helping hand at your community garden. It doesn’t matter how you get involved; what matters is the social connections you make while doing so.

Author:

Dawn Hubbard, MD