"No matter what your personality style, friends are critical to your happiness and health. In fact, when you have a few close friends, it drives health outcomes like blood pressure, heart health, cancer, dementia, depression, and anxiety, according to multiple studies by Brigham Young University. Incredibly, the studies showed that the effects of friendship on health were greater than exercise or dieting habits and about the same as smoking."
"Globally, the majority of people say they're extroverted, and if you're an introvert, you may feel out of touch, out of sync, or disconnected. You may also struggle to find friends, make friends, or sustain friendships. But it's possible to feel not only connected and fulfilled, but also comfortable with yourself as an introvert."
Introverts often feel disconnected in a society where extroversion is dominant, struggling with friendship formation and maintenance. However, meaningful friendships are essential for well-being, with research from Brigham Young University demonstrating that close friendships impact health outcomes including blood pressure, heart health, cancer risk, dementia, depression, and anxiety—effects comparable to smoking cessation and exceeding benefits from exercise or diet. Most people develop friendships through school or work environments. Despite introversion presenting challenges, introverts can successfully create fulfilling friendships through intentional strategies, including removing self-imposed pressure.
Read at Fast Company
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