How Best Friends Add More Years to Your Life!

Can’t seem to bring yourself to hit the gym? Grab some time with a friend to skip leg day guilt-free!

Yes, that’s right. One study reports that strong social ties can be even better for your health than exercise.1 (But we aren’t recommending you quit your gym habit – Grab your girl/guy  to multiply the health rewards!)

Developing strong friendships and spending time with your pals can boost your health in many  ways. People with great friends may:

• Recover more quickly from illness: Not only do individuals with friends have boosted immune systems, they recover faster2 and, according to 1 study, they are also less likely to catch the common cold.1    
• Be heart healthy: Studies link support from friends to lower blood pressure and lower risk of heart disease.2   
• Catch more Z’s: Friendships can protect against stress resulting in better quality sleep – and all the perks that come along with it.    
• Stick to their health goals: Friends can be helpful motivators for adopting healthy habits2 – and people who count on their friends to  support them in making good decisions, may experience improved relationships.1     
• Live longer: If that’s not enough, people with friends have a 50% chance outliving people without.2

Reaping the benefits of friendship doesn’t have to be difficult. Everyday conversations with friends can be more meaningful than a momentous event, according to a Harvard Business School study.1

Thank your BFF(s) for the health boost – tag them in the comments below.