In the doldrums of Winter here are 3 ways socializing with friends and loved ones can make a positive impact on your life—both physically and mentally, too.

 

Boosts mood and reduces stress.  Socializing can reduce symptoms of depression by decreasing feelings of loneliness, isolation and anxiety. Research shows your body releases endorphins during positive social contact, similar to the physical response after a hard workout, which gives a boost of happiness, while reducing stress.

 

Improves quality of life and well-being. Increasing social interactions, such as going out with friends or joining a club, not only gives you a sense of belonging and connectedness, yet fun, to boot, to share experiences together. Plus, when people feel supported by others, they tend to have better self-esteem and a greater sense of purpose in life.

 

Slows cognitive decline.  Socializing stimulates brain activity as it constantly engages and exercises the mind, which strengthens neural pathways to fight off cognitive decline. In fact, research shows older adults who regularly socialize have a better working memory, processing speed and verbal fluency.

 

If you weren’t already, hopefully now you are motivated to get out there and mingle—even if it’s once in a while. Join a group focused on your interests or hobbies, take an exercise class, like yoga or tai chi, volunteer at your local church, school, library or hospital, or lend a helping hand at your senior center. It doesn’t matter how you get involved; what matters is the social connections you make while doing so.