3 Ways Companionship Boosts Wellness

Wellness

Three Ways Companionship Boost Wellness

By Aquib Sylvester on Feb 16, 2024

"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other."

Audrey Hepburn

Love and companionship can profoundly impact your wellness journey. Social connections and relationships are vital to healthy mental, emotional, and physical prosperity. Companionship, that deep feeling of fellowship or friendship with someone close, can boost your wellness in three impactful ways.

1. Increases Longevity

Absolute solitude can be detrimental to your longevity. Spending your life with a positive and supportive companion can extend your life. Numerous studies have shown a correlation between social connections and increased life expectancy. A meta-analysis published in PLOS Medicine found that individuals with stronger social relationships had a 50% increased likelihood of survival over time compared to those with weaker relationships.¹

2. Reduced Stress and Anxiety

Managing your stress and anxiety can be difficult. The emotional support provided by companionship can help individuals cope with stress and anxiety. Research has shown that social support acts as a buffer against the effects of stress on the body, leading to reduced levels of cortisol - the hormone associated with stress and anxiety (Psychoneuroendocrinology, 2010).²

Companionship provides a support system during challenging times, helping individuals cope with loss, trauma, or drastic life changes. Research published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior suggests that social support can facilitate coping strategies and enhance resilience when facing adversity.

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3. Improves Mental Health

It's important to take care of your mental health, and companionship can be a helpful way to do so. Having companionship offers social interaction and a sense of belonging, which can significantly improve mental well-being. Studies have found that individuals with stronger social connections are less likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety.³

Maintaining social interaction and engagement through companionship can help preserve cognitive function and lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. A study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry found that social activity in midlife was associated with a lower risk of developing dementia later in life. ⁴

The Takeaway

A companionship is a powerful tool that can positively impact your well-being in numerous ways. By reducing stress and anxiety, improving mental and physical health, increasing longevity, providing cognitive benefits, and offering emotional support and coping mechanisms, companionship will boost your overall wellness. So, don't underestimate the value of meaningful social connections. Remember to invest time and effort into nurturing and maintaining these relationships for a healthier and happier life.

References

1. PLOS Medicine, "Title of the Article," PLOS Medicine, url (Accessed February 26, 2024).

2. Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience, vol. 32, no. 1, pp. 149-162, 2014, url

3. "Depression, Anxiety Prevention: Healthy Habits Boost Mental Health," NPR, url (Accessed February 26, 2024).

4. "Are social supports in late midlife a cause or a result of successful physical ageing?," Cambridge Core, url (Accessed February 26, 2024).

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