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Why a festive night out with friends is good for your health

28 November 2018

Dark evenings and miserable weather make it tempting to close the curtains and curl up on the sofa.

But as the festive season approaches, so do invitations to parties and get-togethers.

Instead of turning them down, however, psychologist Dr Kirsty Miller suggests that it might better for our health if we accept.

Why friendship is good for our health

Dr Kirsty Miller reveals the benefits of catching up with pals.

“Having people you enjoy spending time with can improve all aspects of our mental health,” explained Dr Miller. Getting together with friends can improve self-esteem while reducing depression, anxiety and stress.

And it’s not just our mental health that benefits from spending time with friends: our physical health gets a boost too.

“When you’re out with the girls and you’re having a laugh, you feel a sense of release. There’s the release of all these feel-good hormones; all the endorphins. It’s a psychological burden being lifted.”

And Dr Miller believes that turning down those invitations and neglecting our friends leaves us vulnerable.

“In terms of mental health you’re more prone to depression,” she said. “In older people it can lead to cognitive decline; basically your mental faculties slowing down.”

So, whatever age you are, the next time you receive an invitation to a night out, choose the healthy option!