Assessment
Feeling Stressed? Phone a Friend
Calling people in your social circle may lift your mood
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Quick Win
Talking with a buddy can help strengthen your friend network, cheer you up and even help relieve stress.
Try This Today
- Think of a friend you’d like to talk to. Pick up the phone and call.
- Ask about his or her day. Be a good listener and ask follow-up questions. Share something that made you smile recently — a book you really enjoyed or a television show you watched.
- Make a plan to connect again soon. Before getting off the phone, schedule time for a talk or visit in the future.
Why
Older adults who have many close friends have better cognitive function than those who have fewer, according to several studies, including one reported in 2019 in Aging & Mental Health that looked at memory over time among more than 10,800 adults over age 50. Also, even one interaction with a friend in a day may improve daily well-being, according to a study of more than 900 college students reported in Communication Research in 2023.
More Ways to Benefit
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