Can a Good Friend Lead to Better Health?
Do you have a specific person in mind when you hear the term ‘good friend?’
We’re talking about someone who’s there for you, regardless of whatever is going on for them. Someone who encourages you, and finds the good qualities that you have a hard time seeing in yourself.
Relationships like this are wonderful in their own right—but did you know that friends have a direct, positive impact on your health?
In fact, researchers have shown that having strong social connections and support networks can result in significantly reduced risk of Type 2 Diabetes, and many other health benefits too.
Of course, the reverse is also true. Many of us have someone in our lives—whether that’s a friend or a partner or a family member- who tends to hold us back. Maybe they’re always negative. Or they belittle our accomplishments and only identify barriers or challenges to healthier behaviors. These negative social relationships can also impact our health.
That’s why one of the most important topics we discuss with our patients is not foods, or exercise routines, or sleep. It’s friends and family.
In our 1:1 sessions, we ask clients:
What does your social support network look like?
Do you have a friend who might join you on your health journey, and act as an accountability partner?
Does anyone in your life hold you back, or might be a barrier to the goals you’re setting? Are there people in your life who pull you toward unhealthy habits – like excess alcohol or drugs for example?
Are you interested in branching out, and finding new hobbies or groups that might increase your social connections?
A powerful thing you can do as you begin your health journey is identifying your allies and, ideally, actively recruiting them as your support team.
Need someone to hold you accountable to your movement goals? Give a friend permission to do just that. Want someone to join you in trying new foods, or stress management techniques? Recruit some fellow travelers on your journey.
You might be surprised by how enthusiastic your friends are – or how much they are looking to make a change, too!
Refer a Friend
At Whole Health Partners, we are always delighted when our patients refer us to friends or family—as it tends to mean both parties will be better supported on their health goals. (Feel free to encourage your friends to make an appointment with us today.)
And if there’s someone in your life who is holding you back, it’s important to think about how you’ll manage their influence.
Now, that doesn’t mean you have to break ties with them or kick them to the curb—but being honest about your feelings - and communicating your needs, and your boundaries- can be a great way to not just manage their behavior, but perhaps even help that person to make changes in their life too.
Nobody is perfect. And you shouldn’t expect your friends and family to be perfect either. But you do deserve to feel supported and encouraged as you work toward your goals. Best of all, you also have the opportunity to pay back the favor by supporting your friends too!
What would you like help with?
Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance
Blood Glucose Management, Diabetes, Insulin Resistance, Hypertension, High Cholesterol, Thyroid Disease, Hormonal Health
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Perimenopause/Menopause
