Healthy Relationships

Importance of Healthy Relationships

Human beings are social creatures and healthy relationships are key to our wellbeing. These could be romantic or platonic relationships, friendships at work, clubs or groups and of course, family relationships.

Loneliness and social isolation can be damaging to our health. Loneliness in older adults was found to have as negative an effect on their health as smoking 15 cigarettes per day or obesity.

Evidence from robust, long-term studies have found that the best predictor of a happy and healthy life is satisfaction in relationships. That’s why Lifestyle Medicine focuses on ways of improving your relationships.

Tips on Maintaining a Healthy Relationship

If this strikes a chord with you, try pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and join a club or group that interests you. This could be anything from joining a hobby group, walking or running club, a choir or dance group.

The options are endless and easy to find on the internet or information at local sports clubs or libraries. When it comes to forming healthy relationships, the first step of joining a new club or activity on the first day is always the hardest, but the benefits such as physical activity, potential friendship and a feeling of belonging will always be worth it.

Volunteering is also a great way to meet people. It also helps to give a sense of purpose and a feeling of worth. Everyone can benefit from a feeling of being needed and having purpose. These can also hugely help with mental health issues and loneliness.