53 days to go
Today was spent on the hills above Ullswater with friends. We’ve not met since last summer and I can’t tell you how good it was to see them again. Months of life for each of us to catch up on, the good stuff and the not so good. Exercise and friends – therapy for the soul.
Friends are good for your health, providing strong networks and support which can be good for your all round physical and mental health.
Having friends around you and doing things with friends helps reinforce your sense of purpose and gives you feelings of belonging. Special occasions are celebrated with friends and these produce feelings of happiness.
Sharing the day-to-day ups and downs and the niggles of life with friends normalises them as many of them will be dealing with similar issues. And, in the most difficult times, the traumas of life, the sad and the bad times, friends provide support. This works both ways as you will help and support them and this too reinforces your own purpose.
All these things help promote good mental health. And, if you decide to make changes to your lifestyle, lose weight, stop smoking, reduce your alcohol consumption, take up an exercise, embark on a program of study towards a new career, your friends will be there to encourage you.
Changing the quality of your thinking can change the quality of your life