The new year is the perfect time to reflect on our relationships and set intentions for strengthening friendships and building deeper connections with our loved ones. In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s too easy to get caught up in the daily grind. We find ourselves with little room for nurturing the bonds that bring joy and support to our lives. But this year, what if you chose a fun resolution to strengthen and expand your friendships? Sounds more appealing than the typical “dead goal” of losing weight and getting in shape.
Great friends contribute not only to happiness but also to our overall health and longevity. According to this Harvard Health article, “Social connections like these not only give us pleasure, they also influence our long-term health in ways every bit as powerful as adequate sleep, a good diet, and not smoking.” Conversely, “One study, which examined data from more than 309,000 people, found that lack of strong relationships increased the risk of premature death from all causes by 50% — an effect on mortality risk roughly comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, and greater than obesity and physical inactivity.”
Wow! This means that simply strengthening friendships and relationships and expanding our circle of friends could make us healthier and happier and increase our lifespan.
If this means I can still have my croissant for breakfast and be healthier and happier, what’s not to like? Sounds like a no-brainer to me! You get to have your cake and eat it as long as you eat it with friends. In fact, I just had a long walk with a dear friend and the dogs. Our final destination was a coffee shop where we happily consumed an almond croissant and a flat white coffee. I’ve always liked disguising my exercise as fun whenever possible.
Before diving into strategies for strengthening friendships, consider this. Research consistently shows that having a robust social network can positively impact both mental and physical well-being. Friendships contribute to lower stress levels, increased happiness, and even enhanced longevity. So in essence, investing in your friendships is a holistic approach to a healthier and happier life. Now for some strategies…
Strategy 1: Weekly Date Nights – Not Just for Couples
One timeless strategy for strengthening friendships is the concept of weekly date nights. While this idea is commonly associated with romantic relationships and couples, it can also apply to friendships. Choose a day each week to connect with a friend – it could be a coffee catch-up, a walk in the park, or a shared hobby. A few of my friends have divorced and are now single. Together we have a Saturday night date to replace the classic date night, which is often as simple as popping over to watch a movie with a bag of popcorn. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy.
Potluck suppers are also fun and easy. When I was single in NYC I started a weekly supper club with two girlfriends and my sister. We took turns cooking dinner every Monday night and then would watch Seinfeld after for a laugh. It felt like you got three free meals for the price of one and it was much more fun than cooking and eating alone.
Strategy 2: Joining Clubs and Classes – Where Fun Meets Friendship
Combine the pursuit of health and strengthening friendships by joining clubs or classes that align with your interests. Whether it’s a running club, a hiking group, dancing classes or pickle ball, these activities provide a dual benefit of physical activity and the opportunity to meet new people. The shared experiences in these settings naturally build bonds, making it easier to form genuine connections over time.
Strategy 3: Book Clubs and Beyond
If you’re inclined towards intellectual pursuits, consider joining a book club (we’ve read over 100 books in our book club that has been going on for over 10 years now) or engaging in other activities that stimulate your mind. Book clubs, in particular, offer a unique platform for shared discussions, fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s perspectives. Beyond books, you could explore joining a discussion group, attending lectures, taking an adult education class, or participating in workshops – all fantastic ways to naturally strengthen your friendships while expanding your mental horizons.
Strategy 4: Innovative Approaches to Deepening Your Connections
While date nights are a classic relationship-building strategy, think outside of the box and add creativity to your friendships. Plan unique and innovative activities that go beyond the typical dinner or coffee meet-up. Attend a cooking class together, go on a weekend getaway, or take a spa break together. You and your friend or partner could volunteer for a cause that resonates with both of you. These shared experiences create lasting memories and deepen the bond between friends and romantic partnerships as well. Try something new and different to shake up your routine this year.
Strategy 5: Take on a Challenge Together
A few years ago friends of ours hosted a New Year’s Eve dinner party and everyone had to draw a challenge out of a hat after dinner. The host of the party drew the challenge to do the 5K Fun Run at 7 am that morning (it was already 2 am!) and did it despite having had a few too many glasses of champagne to ring in the new year. My challenge that year was to reply “Fandabidozi!” whenever anyone asked me how I was and to swim around Burgh Island. This year, more friends have joined the challenge and there is a special prize for the person who joins in with other’s challenges.
My challenge for this year is to meet ten new people, find out something about their lives, and take their photos. It was too easy for me, so I drew an extra challenge to do the Agatha Christie swim in Torbay. This has now become an annual event and not only are we getting new challengers every year, it is a fun way to bond with our existing friends by doing something you wouldn’t normally do. (BTW doing something new and challenging is one of the suggested life coaching assignments in my New Year’s Evolution Course—keeps a body from getting stale and dull).
Strategy 6: The Power of Regular Check-ins – A Lifeline for Friendships
Amid our busy lives, it’s easy to lose touch with friends. Make it a habit to schedule regular check-ins. A simple text, a quick call, or even a handwritten note can go a long way to keeping friendships alive. These gestures show your friends that you value and appreciate them.
Nurturing Friendships for a Healthier, Happier You
As I’m going through a challenging personal time, I’m so grateful that I have taken the time over the years to build really strong friendships. If I didn’t have such wonderful friends, it would be so much harder to get through this difficult patch. Don’t wait until you need your friends, start today. Take one or two of these strategies and get started. By the end of the year, you’ll not only be happier, but healthier as well.
Cultivating meaningful friendships is a two-way street. Remember to stay open and authentic, and invest the time and effort needed to nurture these valuable relationships. And here’s to a year filled with new connections, deeper bonds, and the joy that comes from truly thriving in your expanding social circles.
- The Secret Laws of Attraction: The Effortless Way to Get the Relationship You Want by Talane Miedaner.
- The New Year’s Evolution Course.
