International Friendship Day 2025: How Friends Quietly Heal Your Mind and Body
Friendships aren't just feel-good relationships — they’re essential for our emotional and mental well-being. This Friendship Day, here’s how your closest friends may be silently healing you.
12:54 PM Jul 30, 2025 IST
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Aakash Khuman
International Friendship Day 2025: Every year on July 30, the world celebrates International Friendship Day, a day marked by the United Nations since 2011. But beyond the hugs and throwback pictures, there's science-backed proof that healthy friendships actually heal.
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According to an 80-year-long Harvard study, happiness doesn’t come from wealth or fame — it’s rooted in deep, close relationships. And guess what tops that list? True friendships.
Experts at Harvard Health warn that loneliness is a silent health risk, especially for older adults. The solution? Real, meaningful friendships. Psychiatrist Dr. Richard S. Schwartz from Harvard’s McLean Hospital shares, “Friendships naturally lead to more social interaction, whether it’s hanging out one-on-one or in groups.”
How Friends Quietly Heal Your Mental Health
Good friends are like mental health first-aid kits. Even without grand gestures, they have a subtle, lasting impact. Mayo Clinic notes that real friendships can:
- Give you a sense of connection and purpose
- Boost your happiness and cut down stress
- Strengthen your self-worth and confidence
- Help you through life’s toughest phases — whether it’s illness, job loss, or grief
- Motivate you to ditch bad habits like excessive drinking or inactivity
Friends don’t just support you emotionally — they impact your physical health, too. People with strong social circles are less likely to suffer from depression, high blood pressure, or obesity. And yes, they tend to live longer.
Friendship Is a Commitment, Not Just a Connection
In the chaos of adult life — deadlines, errands, family — friends often become an afterthought. But neglecting these bonds can cost you more than you realize. No matter how packed your schedule, nurturing your friendships should be a priority. A quick call, a coffee catch-up, or even a thoughtful message can go a long way in keeping your relationships (and yourself) healthy.
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