The need for family and a sense of community is common to all people. No one wants to exist on their own. Consequently, we are organized into social units with the smallest being the family. The family is the closest and earliest social network we have while growing up. Its structure is not limited to biological relations. There are numerous types of families including extended families and foster families. Beyond family, we also have friends who form part of our social fabric. Both family and friends play an important role in our lives. Here are some of the important reasons for talking to friends and family.

Social development

Friends and family form our first social encounters. Having them around is important for good social development. They sharpen our communication skills and improve our capacity to initiate and maintain human interaction. Growing up, family members help us form a blueprint for social interactions and social norms. As we age and extend our interactions beyond the family, we develop new approaches to human interactions and form important social skills. The outcome is good communication skills and the ability to maintain positive social interactions.

Failure to establish communication with family and friends is detrimental to social development. Studies have shown that individuals who are denied interaction with friends and family don’t develop most of the social skills common among people.

Cognitive development

Social interactions are fundamental to cognitive development. The research into cognitive development is young and a lot remains unexplored. However, positive social interactions have been shown to result in positive cognitive development. Social neuroscience, which explores social influences on neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, has shown specific nerve cells in the brain are influenced by social experiences.

Acquired cognitive impairments are linked to negative social interactions. Individuals who don’t interact with their families and friends have a higher propensity to early memory loss and impaired cognition.

Healthy life

Talking to friends and family is a precursor to a healthy life. Good social networks allow individuals to alleviate stress. Sharing the emotional or mental load with family and friends is therapeutic. Psychiatrists and psychologists recommend a strong social network for anyone seeking good mental health. Good physical health is also linked to positive social interactions. Staying in touch with friends and family improves health-seeking behaviors and also facilitates care in the event of an illness.

People often underestimate how the consequences of being under stress can be severe. It is a known fact that stress can cause arterial inflammation, which, if not treated, can lead to clogged arteries. The best way to relieve stress is by being surrounded by family and friends who can help reduce stress. People who share thoughts and emotions with others while under pressure helped themselves by normalizing blood pressure. They also tend to have a lower pulse when being in the company of a friend or a family member when in a difficult situation.

We also shouldn’t forget that the elderly who spent their lives surrounded by more people on a permanent basis tend to have better memory, improved cognitive functions, and their brains suffer less wear and tear through the years. Your health needs you to have a good relationship with your parents, children, offsprings, other siblings, and friends throughout the entire life. So, don’t argue, but share love instead.

Self-Esteem Boost

It’s not just about having friends and family around that don’t do anything. The subject matter is that you need those you can rely on and who can rely on you. If you have these people in your life, they can help you and usually increase your confidence levels. This is most notable when you don’t have them around. If the situation is like this, you can feel lonely and hopeless. With the right people by your side, you can tackle even the most challenging obstacles. You know how they say: A tree leans against a tree, and a man leans against a man. This is the truth, so be sure that you always have your friends and family members close by in case you need each other.

Security

Friends and family keep the most accurate account of your whereabouts at any given time. It’s important to stay in touch with them for your own security. More often than not, family and friends are the first responders during an emergency. If anything happens to you, they will be the first to know and help.

Although friends and family can be a source of stress on some occasions, they are good for you. Having a good social network is a great foundation for a healthy life. It’s important to keep in touch with friends and family in order to foster strong social networks. The pros outweigh the cons and it’s part of our nature.

Helps to Raise A Child

While you’ll want to be the primary caretaker for your offspring, friends and family can be of great help. You wouldn’t believe us how much they can make your life easier when your family receives an additional member. It’s what friends and family are for; to be there when the time comes for an upbringing of a child. If they’re always nearby, and your child grows next to a lot of friendly people, they’ll remember their childhood as healthy and cheerful. Raising a child isn’t an easy task, and you’ll need all the help you can get. When it comes to the people you love and trust, there’s nothing better.

Keeping You Active

Being always on your own can have a bad influence on your life. You can become stagnant, not eager to participate in any activities such as working out, going to clubs, doing sports, or just hanging out. But, with friends and family members around, talking you into doing all of the above, you won’t miss a beat. Being active is vital for your overall wellbeing, and having someone to make you move is beneficial in many ways. Going out, working out, clubbing, it’s all easier in groups, and who’s better to make your company than those closest to you.