How One Conversation With Friends Per Day Can Help Your Mental Health

A new study suggests that having one conversation with a friend per day can have a significant effect on a person’s mental health.

What the Study Found

The study, published in Communication Research in January, found that engaging in one conversation with a friend per day can have a positive impact on a person’s mental health. The study included 900 participants from five university campuses before, during, and after the pandemic lockdowns. Participants were directed to engage in one of seven communication behaviors during a single day and then report back that night about their feelings of stress, connection, anxiety, well-being, loneliness, and the quality of their day.

The seven behaviors included: catching up, meaningful talk, joking around, showing care, listening, valuing others and their opinions, and offering sincere compliments. The study found that it did not matter which of the behaviors were practiced – it was the act of intentionally reaching out to a friend in general that had the impact.

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The Importance of Mental Health

Mental health has become increasingly normalized, say experts, which can help people prioritize their well-being. Experts say a study like this shows how important human connection can be and how simple steps can help people preserve their mental health.

“Over the pandemic, we saw a 25% increase in depression. The quantity of human connection was taken from us. Finding ways to come back to that, even in small ways, can be powerful,” said Thea Gallagher, PsyD, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Langone Health.

Discussing Mental Health

Discussing mental health has increasingly become normalized, say experts, which can help people prioritize their well-being. Experts say a study like this shows how important human connection can be and how simple steps can help people preserve their mental health.

Why Connection is Key to Health

Connection, even on the smallest level, is something that is a basic human need, say experts. “As human beings, we thrive in connection with others, not just on a psychological level but on a physiological level. Whether or not you’re an extrovert or an introvert or fall right in the middle, human connection is important. If you are someone who is more introverted, it may make reaching out and connecting a little bit more uncomfortable and that can serve as a roadblock,” said Naomi Torres-Mackie, PhD, a clinical psychologist at Lenox Hill Hospital.

Important Resources

Experts say conversations don’t have to be long or in-depth, instead, they say look for moments when you have time to reach out, even if it is not a lot of time. “When we see these articles, we need to be intentional about following through and allowing it into our lives,” said Gallagher. “Call your friends in the car. Look for those small moments of connection. Use this as a way to be more intentional.”

Conclusion

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to get caught up in our daily routines and forget the importance of human connection. However, as this study shows, even small moments of connection with friends can have a significant impact on our mental health. By prioritizing these moments and making an effort to reach out to those around us, we can take a major step towards preserving our mental well-being.

FAQs

Q: How can I make time for conversations with friends?

A: Look for moments when you have time to reach out, even if it’s not a lot of time. Whether it’s a quick phone call or a walk with a friend, make the most of the time you have.

Q: Do I need to be an extrovert to make the most of this study?

A: No, you don’t need to be an extrovert to make the most of this study. Connection is key to health, regardless of whether you’re an introvert or extrovert.

Q: What if I struggle to reach out to people due to social anxiety or depression?

A: If you’re struggling to reach out to people due to social anxiety or depression, it’s important to prioritize your mental health. Take small steps, such as reaching out to a friend or family member, and gradually work up to more significant connections.

Q: What if I don’t have time to talk to friends every day?

A: While daily conversations may be ideal, even occasional moments of connection can have a positive impact on mental health. Look for opportunities to connect with friends and family whenever you can, even if it’s not every day.