Emotional well-being is defined by Psychology Today as the ability to practice stress-management and relaxation techniques, be resilient, boost self-love and generate the emotions that lead to good feelings. Your well-being is developed from your thoughts, daily activities and experiences.
To build strong emotional well-being, it’s important to think positively and take time to indulge in your favorite activities. It’s also essential to spend quality time with friends, as friendships can also positively impact your emotional well-being.
Why is Emotional Well-Being Important?
We all experience challenges in our lives, but not all of us are able to respond to those challenges in healthy ways. Those who have a positive sense of well-being are able to live fulfilling lives, experience greater overall satisfaction, and are able to receive and process feedback in a healthier manner to better cope with loss.
Positive well-being also comes with many health benefits. According to the Centers for Disease Control “Well-being is associated with numerous health-, job-, family-, and economically-related benefits. For example, higher levels of well-being are associated with decreased risk of disease, illness, and injury; better immune functioning; speedier recovery; and increased longevity. Individuals with high levels of well-being are more productive at work and are more likely to contribute to their communities.”
Friendships, Community Living and Emotional Well-Being
Improving one’s emotional well-being can be as simple as forging strong social connections. However, as we age, we often lose touch with our friends and find it difficult to make new ones.
Therapist and friendship researcher Miriam Kirmayer says adults often feel “rusty” when it comes to making new friends. Some older adults feel embarrassed and avoid trying to reach out. This increases feelings of loneliness and depression.
Fortunately, cultivating friendships is easier in a community setting. Older adults looking to foster new social connections can join senior living communities like Harbour’s Edge where they can connect with like-minded peers at a similar stage of life.
From book clubs to coffee meetups to movie committees, there are dozens of community activities and groups available at a senior living community. And because you share similar interests, your connections are more likely to form naturally.
How Friendships Strengthen Your Emotional Well-Being
There are many ways that friendships can improve one’s mental and physical well-being. Here are just a few of them.
Increased Self-Esteem
Engaging in social activities with friends boosts self-confidence. According to a study by PLoS One, belonging to a social group increases self-esteem because people take pride in these relationships and derive meaning from them. Friends are your best cheerleaders; they celebrate your successes and help you vent after a hard day.
Encouraging Healthy Habits
If you have a fitness or health goal in mind, find a friend who wants to achieve the same. Together, you’ll keep each other accountable and motivated and also increase your chances of accomplishing your goals. Our friends can inspire us to form better habits. When you see friends losing weight or eating healthier, you’ll be more motivated to make healthy choices too.
Less Stress
Having friends you can count on to listen and support you can help relieve stress, too. Even a hug from a close friend has been shown to reduce negative emotions, which can help improve your emotional well-being.
Nurture Your Emotional Well-Being at Harbour’s Edge
Delray Beach, with its tropical Southeast Florida weather and strong artistic roots, has long been the perfect community for those who want to embrace the best life has to offer. Harbour’s Edge is an inspiring oasis on the Intracoastal Waterway for discerning seniors who want a community that gives them access to a lifestyle that nurtures their emotional well-being.
Discover what a sophisticated, holistic and purpose-driven retirement looks like. Contact us to learn more and schedule a tour.
