Healthy Living: Build Time into Your Schedule for Friends
A few months ago I wrote a post about the power of staying connected with our friends to keep us healthy. In this busy world in which we live with most of us juggling multiple priorities, it’s easy to lose that sense of connection with others that helps keep us grounded and in the moment enjoying life, not to mention healthy.
It used to be when I was single I had a lot more time to get together with my girlfriends to connect, laugh, and support each other. I swear it was like I had time on my hands. But these days, between running a growing business, working with clients, spending time with my husband and our families, and all the other stuff of life, I don’t have nearly as much time as I’d like for the girls. In fact, my lack of sufficient time to connect was weighing on mind so I decided to do something about it and jump into action.
So one thing I’ve started is a monthly happy hour to encourage as many of my friends to get together as possible. We hold it the first Friday of the month at different locations. Whoever is free and can come shows up and stays as long as she can. It’s unstructured and in the moment and I’m convinced whoever shows up is meant to be there that month.
Sometimes we check out healthy places, sometimes it’s whatever strikes our fancy, mostly it’s about being in the moment and connecting on that heart to heart level that infuses me with optimism and gratitude. For me, keeping my friendships strong is all part of the puzzle of staying healthy and strong. It feeds me in a different way than spending time with my husband or family, yet has a critical role.
And you know what else? Staying connected with our friends keeps us heart healthy. Studies show that when we have at least four close friends — we’re much more likely to have a healthy heart, live longer, be less vulnerable to depression and have a more optimistic outlook on life.
What do you do to actively stay connected to the friends that are most important to you? In what simple ways can you start getting more connected if you’re missing those bonds? How can those connections support your overall health?
Filed under: Family and Friends, Heart Health, Optimal Health, Relationships
What perfect timing for this post! Two weeks ago, I was over at a neighbor’s for dinner with lots of other neighbors. We were having such a great time that I mentioned what a shame it is we’re not able to get together more often. Well, one thing led to another and last Sunday was our first “Girls Walk,” a five-mile loop along Lake Michigan.
The added bonus for us is a greater sense of community. We live in an urban setting and all moved here in the last two years. Getting to know each other and establishing a sense of trust that goes beyond borrowing sugar for a recipe is essential for a healthy mind, body and spirit.
Thanks for the great post, Wendy!