Boost Your Happiness With Relationships

Studies show that people with close relationships to family and friends are HAPPIER.

That's right. It doesn't matter if you have 30 of these close relationships or 3. The point is: you have people in your life who you love. More importantly, you interact with these people regularly.

In relationships where people are experiencing marital distress, both individuals are likely to experience more depressive symptoms. It's easy to understand how relationships impact our wellbeing so directly, because we've all experienced it!

You can become a happier version of yourself by cultivating these key characteristics:

1. Maintain strong relationships

Haven't heard from your mom in awhile? Give her a call! Haven't made time to catch up with your BFF in a couple of weeks? Make time for coffee with them then! The greatest gift you can give yourself is time to nurture and preserve the important relationships that you've built up over the course of your life.

2. Give social support

Happiness doesn't just come from receiving social support. We are happier when we GIVE social support to others! That's why careers in social service -- social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists often rate their professions as highly rewarding. If you don't have a career in these fields, consider volunteering at local homeless shelter, a meal program or any other program where you get face-to-face contact with people you're helping.

Everyone has busy schedules. It's easy to become wrapped up in the so-called 'necessities' and things that HAVE to get done. Over the course of your life, the MOST important necessity is your relationships. They're who you spend wonderful nights and difficult nights with. They're who help you through the rough patches and who cheer you on through the wonderful times.