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Relationships are like social currency: they enrich our lives, help us grow, and occasionally leave us staring into the abyss of our life choices. Research shows that our connections impact everything from our mental health to our lifespan. So, if you're looking to live longer, feel happier, and maybe boost your brainpower, your best bet is to surround yourself with some quality people. Here’s why.
Belief ONE: Relationships Directly Impact Our Health and Well-being
Want to live longer and lower your stress levels? Get yourself a good friend or two! Studies suggest that healthy relationships can decrease the risk of early death by about 50% (yes, you read that right—fifty percent!):
Satisfaction goes up: When we’re connected, life satisfaction gets a major boost. Who doesn't want a little happiness boost for free?
Depression goes down: Regular contact with people who make us laugh and listen to us can seriously help keep the blues at bay.
Intelligence increases: Okay, maybe we won't suddenly solve quantum physics, but studies show that social engagement helps keep our minds sharp, especially as we age.
Stress diminishes: Quality relationships can lower stress hormones. Goodbye, cortisol; hello, zen!
Health improves: People with strong social ties have a lower risk of chronic illnesses. Friendship really is the best medicine!
When we feel like we belong, we’re healthier, happier, and statistically less likely to become reclusive pet-plant caretakers. So, call your friends, check in with family, and share a laugh—you’re actually investing in your health.
Belief TWO: Relationships Are Essential Ingredients in Everyone’s Recipe for Success
If life is a recipe, then relationships are the secret spices. Everyone needs at least three key ingredients to cook up a fulfilling, balanced life:
Community with shared values: Hanging with people who “get” us helps us feel supported and understood, which is essential for growth.
People who value us: We all need a cheer squad, those friends who think we’re brilliant (even when we’re not) and boost our confidence when we’re down.
A shared vision that fuels hope: Having people who share our aspirations and future vision keeps us motivated, even when the road gets bumpy.
Whether you’re aiming to climb the corporate ladder or just trying to find the best tacos in town, having a crew cheering you on makes everything seem more achievable.
Belief THREE: Relationships Need Regular Maintenance to Survive (and Thrive!)
Relationships are like plants (or pets): if you don’t water them, they wither. Studies show that it’s not enough to simply have friends or a partner—we need to actively nurture those connections.
Lazy = Lonely: It's easy to let friendships slide, but neglect is a fast track to a shrinking social circle.
Attention is like fertilizer: Taking the time to reach out, listen, and share moments—this is the secret to relationships that last.
Intentional effort pays off: Whether it's date night, weekly calls, or spontaneous hangouts, investing time and energy into relationships is like investing in happiness stocks.
Imagine if you treated your relationships like a garden: you’d water them, pull the weeds (aka, bad habits), and help them grow. So, go on, make a little extra effort—it’s cheaper than therapy and way more fun!
Why Relationships Are Worth the (Occasional) Drama
Sure, relationships take work, and yes, sometimes they drive us up a wall. But they’re also the backbone of a fulfilling life. When we tend to our relationships, we gain health, happiness, and a little more resilience against life’s challenges. So don’t wait—reach out, laugh, and cherish the people around you. Your future self (and your stress levels) will thank you.
Coaching Questions
How are your relationships impacting you? Here are a few questions to gain further insight.
How do they help you stay rooted in who you are, no matter what’s happening around you?
How do they bring light to your darkest moments, lifting you up when you need it most?
How do they make you believe that what once felt impossible is actually within reach?
How do they remind you of what truly matters in life?
How do they affirm your worth and remind you that you matter?
What are the essential ingredients for the life you truly crave?
Which of those ingredients do you already have?
What’s still missing, and who might be able to help you find it?
And, most importantly, how will you ensure you don’t overlook the essentials that keep you fulfilled?
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