We Get By With a Little Help From Our Friends

It’s International Friendship Day on August 4th! Great friends are there for us through thick and thin, they help us out of a jam, and they allow us to confide in them when we need it most. Classic friendships like Joey and Chandler, Lucy and Ethel, or Jim and Dwight may give us a laugh on TV, but the real thing is even better. And did you know that the close bonds of friendship can even yield some incredible benefits to sleep? 

Social ties  

Bonding with buddies is not only good for the soul, but it also has been linked to better heart health and sleep. In this study, lonely participants reported poorer sleep quality, including more sleep disturbances and a shorter sleep duration, compared to their non-lonely counterparts.

Along with the numerous psychological benefits associated with friendships, helping improve your sleep is a great added bonus! 

Fun ways to freshen up your friendships 

Looking for unique ways to celebrate International Friendship Day this week? Try one of these on for size. 

1. Throw a potluck and invite all your close pals. Add in some board games and music, and you’ve got an inexpensive way to laugh the night away. 
2. Schedule a movie night. Vote on your top movie picks, get the popcorn cooking, and hit play. 
3. Take a walk together. It’s free, good exercise, and a great way to catch up on life. 
4. Try a friend date. Scope out good local deals in your city and take a night out with friends, without breaking the bank. 

If anything, at least give your pals a call or text and let them know you’re thinking of them. You never know who might just need that boost! Happy friendship day!