As we get older, it can be tough to hold on to friendships or make new friends, but it’s important for our health. In fact, doctors even recommend it. Friendship can have a positive impact on health as well as help improve our general well-being — especially as we go through challenging phases in life, including menopause.
Benefits of friendships during menopause
Although it can be tough, it’s worth it to maintain strong friendships and to build and nurture new friendships. That social connection can benefit us in several amazing ways, as our friends become:
Partners in menopause
Life changes can be challenging to navigate on your own. And the arrival of hot flashes, a foggy brain, and a drop in libido are certainly no exception. They can be a whole lot easier to get through when a few good friends are there with you – getting through them too. The more you can open up about what you’re experiencing — physically and mentally — the less alone you may feel. In fact, symptoms that may have left you previously feeling helpless might even become the subject of a few good laughs (at least momentarily). Your partners in menopause can also help you find solutions that may work. Together, you can create a trusted team of close friends that can share the knowledge you gain from the doctors you see, products you try, and articles you read. You are not alone in this transition!
Mood enhancers
We challenge any bad mood to stay around for long in the presence of good friends — especially those who know how to make you laugh. When it comes to facing a negative state of mind, laughter is powerful. Laughter can help make us feel good by:
- Reducing blood pressure and heart rate.
- Increasing serotonin (a feel-good hormone).
- Decreasing cortisol and other stress markers in the body.
- Activating the dopamine reward center in the brain.
Studies have found that over time, people who surround themselves with supportive friends often develop a greater sense of belonging and purpose. They may also be less likely to suffer from mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Cheerleaders
You’re much more likely to reach your goals when good friends are there cheering you on. So, whether you’re trying to eat healthier, exercise more, quit smoking, or start writing that book you’ve been talking about, that social support can help can increase belief in yourself and boost your chances of making it happen. They can also be there to provide emotional support and, if, and when you stumble, reminding you that setbacks are often only temporary and help you rebuild momentum.
Stress relievers
We all know that stress isn’t a good thing — for our mental or physical health. While things like healthy eating, exercise, meditation, and yoga are known to help reduce stress levels, it turns out having a meaningful social life can be incredibly effective, too. Surrounding yourself with friends — especially as you age — can help support your immune system while reducing the feeling of isolation, which can lead to depression and even increase the risk of dementia. Friends can also act as a positive coping mechanism, as you may be more likely to talk about problems instead of turning to less healthy coping mechanisms (e.g, alcohol, smoking, etc.).
Tips for making new friends
Now that there’s no doubt that good friends are a very good thing, here are some tips on how to meet new friends:
- Say “yes” to invitations more often than not. You might not be in the mood, but the best evenings out often tend to be the ones you didn’t expect to enjoy. Plus, you’re more likely to make the repeat-guest list.
- Speaking of invitations, don’t wait for one. If you meet someone you want to get to know better, be the first to suggest a plan. Everyone appreciates it when someone else is willing to take the initiative. Really!
- Take a class through Continuing Ed or a local community or arts center. It’s a surefire way to meet someone who shares at least one common interest. Plus, you’ll keep your brain stimulated.
- Be active on social media, as appropriate. Even a digital connection is a valuable connection, as it’s a great way to keep in touch with people you care about all over the world.
- Adopt or foster a pet. Not only will you form a relationship with an incredible companion, but you can also have an automatic opener to help start conversations.
- Take a class regularly at a nearby gym. Over a short time, all those faces you see are likely to become friendly.
- Look for volunteer opportunities through national or local organizations. Consider the things you enjoy or like to support and volunteer with those causes. You’re likely to meet people who have similar interests and who are also hoping to connect to someone just like you.
Aging comes with a lot of challenges, for sure. But it also comes with a lot of opportunities, as we have increasingly more time to dedicate to ourselves and to those around us. Which just might be the best part about growing old.
