I would like to share this great article by Extension Educator Emily Schoenfelder that talks about how fewer things have a greater impact on our mental and physical health than our friends.
Emily says that research shows that people with strong social connections have greater longevity, have lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and faster recovery from illness. They also have increased life-satisfaction and a sense of belonging.
In fact, a 2018 journal article called The Anatomy of Friendship states, “Friendship is the single most important factor influencing our health, well-being, and happiness.”
FACTS FOR FAMILIES: Starting a family as LGBTQ+ parents
So how can we increase our social connections and get the most out of our friendships? Or, perhaps more importantly, how can we be good friends to others?
• Take (a little) Time – It doesn’t have to be a lot. Just a few minutes can make a big difference. Make a 5-minute phone call to let a friend know you’re thinking of them. Keep a pile of blank greeting cards handy and take a few seconds to jot down a note and send it to a friend. Text a fun picture. Stop by a work-friend’s station at the end of your shift to catch up as you both head home for the day.
• Find Balance – Do you ever find yourself creating a “balanced” life by dividing it into two categories: work and family? I do this a lot – and it makes it tricky to prioritize time for friendships. But there is more to a balanced life than just these (albeit important) areas, like self-care, spirituality, or romance. Why not try combining quality friend time with other good-for-you activities? Grab a friend for a workout or a walk, take a class together, or start a gathering in your faith community. This way, you can build a friendship while maintaining a more well-rounded life.
• Be Friendly – Small, simple gestures can build relationships with acquaintances. Chat with your neighbors when you see them outside. Greet folks you encounter regularly at the park or the coffeehouse. Smile at people during your commute or when you’re out for a walk. Even these peripheral relationships can add a lot to your sense of belonging on your community – and you might just make someone else’s day while you’re at it!
One of the best things about friendship is that it’s mutually beneficial. When you put in the effort to strengthen your friendships, you’re enriching others’ lives, too. For more information on building friendships, visit the Connection Corner Blog at https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/connection-corner to see the original article with additional online resources available.
Emily Schoenfelder, Connection Corner Blog can be found at extension.illinois.edu/blogs/connection-corner
For more information on University of Illinois Unit 19 programming and to read more helpful articles, visit our website at https://extension.illinois.edu/ccdms , call us at 217-345-7034 or contact Cheri Burcham at [email protected] Also visit the Family Files Blog at https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/family-files
Remember these Charleston locations?
Bill’s Bottle Shop
1979: The owner of bill’s Bottle Shop isn’t concerned about House Bill 21. The Liquor Commission has proposed extending bar hours from 1 to 2 a.m. and increasing the number of licenses from 25 to 32.
Filter Plant
1935: The new filtering plant in Charleston has been placed in operation. The plant, which has a daily capacity of two million gallons, consists of three filter beds, mixing and settling beds. A booster pump takes care of pressure in case of fires. The water comes from deep wells. The addition to the Charleston waterworks was financed through funds on hand and by a small bond issue.
Junk yard
1965: An auto graveyard near Charleston is nestled between rolling hills along scenic Illinois 16.
Junk yard
1965: Mayor-elect Wlater Reasor Jr. and Eastern Illinois University president have urged to move the junk yards west of Charleston city limits.
Krackers
1988: Teen night fills the floor at E.L. Krackers.
Rotary community pool
1974: The Charleston Rotary Community Pool is located on approximately five acres of land directly behind the Junior High School.
Waterworks
1948: Charleston’s waterworks is being converted from diesel to electric power this week at a savings in costs of $500 a month, releasing 18,000 gallons of fuel oil a year for other uses. Oil tanks will be kept full to enable emergency use of the diesel engines which will remain in place although disconnected.
Charleston airview
1985: Airview of Charleston.
American Hardware Supply aerial view
1982: Aerial view shows extent of American Hardware Supply Co.’s new 240,000 square foot distribution center north of Charleston.
Cheri Burcham is the Family Life Educator at the U of I Extension.
