While on vacation or sitting around the table, everyone has shared a few laughs with their friends and family. Friends and family are important since they affect one’s well-being and everyday life, while many struggle with bad relationships with their family and friends. According to Dr Todd Thatcher, a worker with Valley Behavioral Health’s Director of Nursing, states that healthy relationships can increase your lifespan by 50%. There are many ways to build a good relationship, which is why it’s essential.
How Does it Positively Affect One’s Well-Being?
Building and maintaining a strong connection can help reduce stress and create a strong foundation of emotional support that helps people get through the ups and downs of life. According to Corporate Wellness Magazine, in the article, The Benefits of Spending Time with Family and Friends, the author(s) claim, “[d]iscussing diverse topics, gaining new perspectives, and challenging our own beliefs and assumptions help broaden our horizons and expand our knowledge base.” Having opinions from multiple people is better than having one. Spending time with family also teaches communication skills, including healthy ways to discuss, debate, and solve problems. It has been shown that giving positive reactions after achievements lowers the risk of misbehavior. These are only a few ways family can positively impact one’s well-being.
How to connect more with family
It may seem difficult to build a strong relationship with one’s family, but it’s simple. There are multiple ways to build a strong relationship with a family. One way is to focus on listening and connecting with a family member during free time and try removing phones from the dinner table. This shows them that someone cares about what they are saying, allowing them to talk to you whenever they want because they feel comfortable. Another way is by trying new things like traveling, playing board games, watching movies, and going on walks. This might lead to new traditions and goals. Discussing plans allows you and your family to connect and discuss goals more.
How to let go of friends and make new ones
Letting go of someone can be challenging, even if they haven’t treated you well. Giving second chances can be beneficial, but it’s not always the right choice. It’s wise to offer a second chance if the person didn’t realize the impact of their actions on you (Raypole). Be clear and direct in your communication; ensure they understand that the confrontation is serious. However, if the friendship is no longer providing positive benefits for you, it may be time to consider ending it. After concluding the friendship or taking a break, prioritize self-care, especially if this was a close friend. One way to forge new friendships is by initiating conversations or sitting next to a classmate you haven’t spoken to before. Starting a dialogue can be as simple as asking about their classes or their favorite color. Another effective approach is to engage in after-school or extracurricular activities. Participating in these activities with a team or group offers opportunities to converse and share ideas. When you share your thoughts, you demonstrate confidence in discussing various opinions, regardless of whether they are well-received. If others agree with you, they may seek further input; if they disagree, they might provide their perspective. For those involved in sports, a simple gesture like saying “Good game” to your teammates after a match can help build connections. There are numerous ways to make new friends; all it takes is a willingness to try.
Overall, spending time with family and friends is crucial, especially if you have a strong relationship with them. If it feels like you are not getting any benefits from a friendship, then it may be time to move on. Be direct, and don’t forget to give second chances. After this, making new friends could be hard—try starting a conversation or making small talk. There are a lot of benefits to hanging out with family and friends; just try building a stronger relationship
WORKS CITED:
“The Benefits of Spending Time With Family and Friends.” Corporate Wellness | Employee Well-Being, www.corporatewellnessmagazine.com/article/the-benefits-of-spending-time-with-family-and-friends#:~:text=When%20we%20spend%20time%20with,intellectual%20stimulation%20and%20personal%20growth.
Highland Springs Specialty Clinic. “Highland Springs Specialty Clinic – the Top Ten Benefits of Spending Time With Family.” Highland Springs Specialty Clinic, highlandspringsclinic.org/the-top-ten-benefits-of-spending-time-with-family#:~:text=Reduces%20Stress,stress%20and%20find%20effective%20solutions.
Raypole, Crystal. “In a Toxic Friendship? Here’s What to Look for (and How to Handle It).” Healthline, 19 May 2020, www.healthline.com/health/toxic-friendships#moving-forward.
Samantha. How to Make Friends in Your New School. 12 Aug. 2024, www.nordangliaeducation.com/sisd-dubai/news/2022/09/20/how-to-make-friends-in-your-new-school#:~:text=Be%20yourself%20The%20most%20important%20part%20of,enjoy%20the%20same%20things%2C%20and%20act%20similarly.
“Strengthen Family Relationships | Homeland Security.” U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 20 Sept. 2022, www.dhs.gov/employee-resources/news/2022/09/20/strengthen-family-relationships.