A couple of years ago, I ventured to Miami for a week with my friend, Rachel, during a rare child-free vacation. In the past nine years, I had only been away from my husband and kids a few times, mostly for work, making this girls’ getaway particularly special. Despite our close bond, it had been a long time since Rachel and I had time alone together, and as I entered her vibrant art deco apartment in South Beach, we were filled with youthful excitement.
Being with Rachel was a delightful reminder of my pre-parenthood days, where time was limitless and I could indulge in spontaneous adventures. We both had taken five days off work, free from the responsibilities of motherhood and partnership. Rachel zipped us around South Beach on her scooter, we lounged on the beach for hours, dressed up for a night at the Miami Opera House to watch “Wicked,” and savored late-night snacks while chatting until dawn. The joy was so palpable that I found my cheeks sore from laughter.
With friends like Rachel, it doesn’t matter how long we’re apart; we instantly reconnect, as if no time has passed. I am grateful to have several friendships like this in my life. These women provide me with perspective on my marriage, comic relief during challenging moments of parenthood, and inspiration through their intelligence and kindness. Remarkably, they genuinely care about my life’s ups and downs, just as I do for them.
It’s fascinating to consider how we meet our friends—often by chance at events like parties, business gatherings, or, in Rachel’s case, during our travels in a quaint town. These individuals become integral parts of our lives, cheering us on through our triumphs and reminding us of our strengths when we forget. Friends truly are the family we choose, and I am immensely thankful for mine.
Research highlights the numerous health advantages of maintaining close friendships. Individuals with strong social connections are 50% more likely to outlive their less connected counterparts. In fact, the positive effects of close friendships on life expectancy rival those of quitting smoking and surpass the benefits of regular exercise or a healthy weight.
A study conducted at University College London found that college students with close friends were 50% less likely to contract the common cold compared to those without such friendships, despite similar exposure to the virus. Furthermore, when individuals faced stressful situations, their self-esteem ratings improved and cortisol levels decreased in the presence of a close friend.
Additional research confirms that regular interactions with friends enhance happiness levels. Findings indicate that people are 12 times more likely to feel joyful on days spent with friends. A brief conversation with an optimistic friend can significantly lift our spirits and diminish stress.
While I didn’t need scientific evidence to understand the importance of my friendships, my week with Rachel made it clear that I should prioritize similar getaways more often. That trip invigorated my spirit, filling my days with laughter and reminding me of the positive impact on my mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
This post is adapted from “The Joy Plan: How I Took 30 Days to Stop Worrying, Quit Complaining, and Find Ridiculous Happiness.” Available wherever books are sold starting July 11. Pre-order on Amazon.
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In summary, nurturing friendships is not only fulfilling but essential for our overall health. They provide support, happiness, and a sense of belonging, contributing significantly to our well-being.
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