When you’re down and troubled
And you need a helping hand
And nothing, oh, nothing is going right
Just close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night

You just call out my name
And, you know, wherever I am
I’ll come running
To see you again

Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you’ve got to do is call
And I’ll be there,
You’ve got a friend

– Carole King

 

Friends. During our lives, some come and go, some stay forever, and some are closer to us than family. Sometimes, they drive us crazy, and we drive them crazy, but good friends do make our lives better.

 

There are even studies that indicate that friends are good for our health. When we have people in our lives that we can be honest and open with at a deep connection, it can take a lot of the load off our shoulders.

 

According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the health benefits of friendship include:

 

  •  Increase your sense of belonging and purpose.
  •  Boost your happiness and reduce your stress.
  •  Improve your self-confidence and self-worth.
  •  Help cope with trau­mas, such as divorce, ser­i­ous illness, job loss or the death of a loved one.
  •  Encourage you to change or avoid unhealthy life­style habits

 

While it’s good to cul­tivate a diverse network of friends, nurturing a few truly close friends who will be there through all the sorrows and joys are de­sir­able. The Mayo Clinic offers the following ideas where you may meet new peop­le who might become your friends:

 

  •  Attend community events
  •  Volunteer
  •  Extend and accept in­vi­tations — invite a friend to join you for coffee or lunch. When you’re invited to a so­cial gathering, say yes. Con­tact some who recently invited you to an activity and return the favor.
  •  Take up a new in­ter­est
  •  Join a faith community — take advantage of spe­cial activities and get-to-know-you events for new mem­bers.
  •  Take a walk

 

Of course, during grief, friends can be especially important. Whether you need a friend, or someone needs you in their time of struggle, remember the importance of friendship as we celebrate Friendship Day.