They’ve always been there when you needed them. Even though you’re not related, they’re closer than family.

Your best friend, your best bud. The person who’s been with you through all the ups and downs in life.

Everyone knows that there are many benefits of friendship.

However, what about when it comes to facing daily stress? It turns out that research is finding that strong friendships are very important for coping with stress and anxiety. In some cases, even having a spouse was not as significant as having a friendship.

How Your Health and Friendships Are Connected

One way that friendships help you cope with stress and anxiety is by improving your health. Several studies have found that there is a direct connection between the two. For example, one study from Australia examined older adults with a lot of friends. People with a large group of friends had a much lower chance of dying (22%) during the 10-year study period.

In another example, 3,000 nurses who also were diagnosed with breast cancer were studied. Those participants who did not have people in their lives considered to be “close friends” were much more likely to die due to cancer than those who did have friends. In fact, those without friends were four times more likely to die. Interestingly, spousal relationships did not factor into surviving the disease.

There are several reasons why friendships are important to your health, and therefore, help with stress and anxiety.

Consider some:

• Friends do stuff together! This means that they can also influence each other when it comes to making healthy choices that affect one’s health. Two friends might get together to work out or take a hike.
• If you are struggling, such as with an illness, a friend can step in to pick up a meal or help with tasks.
• When you have a friend you feel less stressed, which is important for your health.

How Knowing You’re Not Alone Factors In

A big problem when you’re feeling stressed and anxious is loneliness. Many who struggle with daily stress often believe that no one understands what they’re going through. However, one of the benefits of friendship is feeling connected and understood by someone else. They become your personal cheerleader, or counselor, depending on your needs.

Think about it. Have you ever had a time in your life when you needed to lean on someone for emotional support? Friends can do this, and research proves it.

In one study at the University of Virginia, students were asked whether walking up a steep hill on campus was difficult or not. These students carried loads equivalent to 20% of their body weight. Those who carried the load but were accompanied by a friend reported that the hill was less steep than those who walked up the hill alone.

How Friendships Help You Live Longer

You’re vulnerable to daily stress at any age, including as you get older. However, the benefits of friendships don’t stop as you age. In fact, they may actually help you to live longer.

One example comes from Okinawa, Japan. It’s considered one of several “Blue Zones” throughout the world. These are places where people on average live longer than the general global population. In Okinawa, older women usually form small social groups consisting of five people. Women in these groups provide emotional and social support to one another. In some cases, they even help out with financial issues.

The result? Women in Okinawa typically live to be about 90 years old!

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The science is clear about the benefits of friendship. Enjoying good health and positive friendships helps a lot in managing stress and anxiety. That’s because daily stress can be mitigated when you have someone who can help out both in tangible and emotional ways.

If you are struggling with managing anxiety in your life, contact me to learn more about my approach to anxiety treatment.