Making Friends At 40 Plus
In a changing society that often focuses on materialistic and individual needs it can be easy to forget how important friendships and a sense of community really are for our health and well-being.
Recent studies suggest that feeling isolated can be as bad for your health as obesity and smoking - by contributing to high blood pressure, insomnia and diminished immunity.
Unfortunately building connections with others can become more difficult after our 30s and 40s.
If you found yourself feeling isolated during the festive period then it may be time to make steps to avoid that feeling in future.
This week we thought we would share some tips on how to build connections later in life, after all, life begins at 40! Current relationships.
It's easy to lose touch with old friends and even to neglect our current relationships when distracted by work, studies or simply the demands of family life.
Try to nurture current friendships by making an effort to keep in touch and organise a get together at least once a month.
Attending groups.
If you would like to make new friendships then joining a group or class can be a great way to do it.
You can choose the kind of interest that you would like to share with any new friends by opting for an activity based around that particular passion.
Whether you enjoy dance, art, fitness or reading there will probably be a local group or class that offers to opportunity to develop this interest and hopefully new friendships in the process.
Accepting invitations.
When you have a busy lifestyle many invitations can end up being ignored.
Try to change this.
Even an event that doesn't sound like your number one choice may end up opening doors and injecting some fun into your week so be open to invitations.
If you keep turning them down, eventually people will stop inviting you.
Volunteering.
Volunteering is good for the soul and for meeting new people so if you have extra time on your hands and find yourself feeling lonely at times then some kind of volunteer position may be a really positive thing.
If there is something you feel particularly passionate about, such as cancer research, or helping the homeless, contact local fund raisers and begin to do your bit for charity, it is likely to be very rewarding.
Always consult a medical professional before embarking on any new exercise regime.
Recent studies suggest that feeling isolated can be as bad for your health as obesity and smoking - by contributing to high blood pressure, insomnia and diminished immunity.
Unfortunately building connections with others can become more difficult after our 30s and 40s.
If you found yourself feeling isolated during the festive period then it may be time to make steps to avoid that feeling in future.
This week we thought we would share some tips on how to build connections later in life, after all, life begins at 40! Current relationships.
It's easy to lose touch with old friends and even to neglect our current relationships when distracted by work, studies or simply the demands of family life.
Try to nurture current friendships by making an effort to keep in touch and organise a get together at least once a month.
Attending groups.
If you would like to make new friendships then joining a group or class can be a great way to do it.
You can choose the kind of interest that you would like to share with any new friends by opting for an activity based around that particular passion.
Whether you enjoy dance, art, fitness or reading there will probably be a local group or class that offers to opportunity to develop this interest and hopefully new friendships in the process.
Accepting invitations.
When you have a busy lifestyle many invitations can end up being ignored.
Try to change this.
Even an event that doesn't sound like your number one choice may end up opening doors and injecting some fun into your week so be open to invitations.
If you keep turning them down, eventually people will stop inviting you.
Volunteering.
Volunteering is good for the soul and for meeting new people so if you have extra time on your hands and find yourself feeling lonely at times then some kind of volunteer position may be a really positive thing.
If there is something you feel particularly passionate about, such as cancer research, or helping the homeless, contact local fund raisers and begin to do your bit for charity, it is likely to be very rewarding.
Always consult a medical professional before embarking on any new exercise regime.
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