Living amid a global pandemic has impacted every aspect of our lives, from job security to health and stress levels. It has had an impact on our friendships, too.
Keeping up with friends hasn’t been easy with pandemic restrictions, working from home, e-learning, and Zoom fatigue. Some of us have even become disconnected from each other. The isolation and social distancing forced us to live a life without gatherings, playdates, and hangouts and has left us longing for human contact.
As more vaccines are administered, following the lifting of strict COVID restrictions in most of the world, we are collectively entering a new phase of life as we know it. We realize how much our friendships enrich our lives. As we return to our everyday lives, we hope to see our old friends and enjoy the things we used to do with them.
What are the benefits of reaching out to friends?
Reduced stress and anxiety
We all handle stress and uncertainty differently. However, some people experience more stress, anxiety, and worry than their neighbors, friends, and family, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Research conducted by Carnegie Mellon University showed that those who rely on their family and friends as a stress buffer reduce the risks of seeking harmful coping mechanisms like drinking alcohol, smoking, or doing drugs. Therefore, it is a good idea to reconnect with friends after a long period of isolation because it helps you get a sense of calm and find healthier ways to cope with stress.
Fewer feelings of loneliness and isolation
Many of us experienced loneliness and social isolation to varying degrees during the epidemic, and these conditions can adversely affect mental and physical health.
Being able to share your feelings with your friends can help lessen the feelings of loneliness. Hearing their voices or seeing their friendly faces makes you feel less isolated because you feel seen, heard, and loved. In addition, social ties provide emotional support, which improves our psychological well-being.
Contributes to good health
Reconnecting with friends contributes to positive health effects. According to a study that appeared in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine, having a friend by your side helps you talk about difficult periods in your life, while also lowering your heart rate and blood pressure.
People with more extensive social networks have excellent episodic memory, better cognitive functions, and a lower allostatic load, the wear and tear on the body and brain from stress.
Having a solid social support system and a group of close friends helps reduce the risk of diseases and sicknesses.
Personal development
Many of you may have felt a sense of losing direction or purpose during the pandemic. You may have felt stuck at some point, demotivated to achieve or accomplish your goals due to the uncertainty of the situation.
If you have felt this way, you are not alone. Sometimes referred to as an “existential crisis,” you may have been forced to face difficult questions about the purpose and meaning of your life.
People who consider their friends and family support have a greater meaning in life and a stronger sense of purpose. When you reunite with people who know you, you are reminded of who you are and feel inspired to get back on track in reaching your goals and dreams.
A sense of love and belonging
We all want to know that we matter to others, that our lives have meaning. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs places love and belonging third, after self-actualization and esteem.
Reconnecting, developing, and maintaining close friendships contribute to a sense of belonging. Knowing that you have a support network can make you feel more secure in your own life.
Rekindling an old friendship also makes you more rooted in your community and strengthens your roots. A stronger sense of belonging makes you achieve a happier and healthier life.
Friends are for keeps
This pandemic has taught us that old friends are still a wonderfully accessible source of social support. So as you resume your everyday life, it’s an excellent opportunity to reconnect with friends and happily reunite with them for the lost times.
