The Friendship Files: How to Make New Friends as an Adult (And Why It's Better For Your Health Too)

Making new friends as an adult can seem intimidating and extremely challenging, especially if you're worried about being rejected or judged. 

Not to mention we're all busy people who barely have time for ourselves and socializing tends to take a backseat. Our friends will understand, right? 

It's time to flip that script! 

Study after study show that people with stronger social bonds like friendships are happier, healthier and live longer than their less connected counterparts 

This episode is part 1 of a 2 part series on navigating friendships as an adult, in which we focus on creating new connections 

Part 2 will be released next week, with a focus on maintaining friendships and addressing challenges that arise along the way 

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Appreciate the critical role of forming new friendships in adulthood for a happier and healthier life
• Uncover imaginative methods for growing your social reach by identifying and engaging in shared endeavors
• Gain invaluable insights to tackle challenges such as anxiety and neurodivergence while building rapport
• Grasp the far-reaching benefits of a sturdy social foundation on your mental and physical health
• Refine your ability to foster and sustain lasting connections through empathy, balance, and perseverance

Episode at a glance:


00:03:29 The impact of loneliness and human connections on our overall health and wellbeing, especially during the pandemic + relevant studies/statistics   

00:06:57  Tips and actionable strategies you can use today to cultivate new connections and friendships

00:11:45 - How the effort and energy of making new friends can be life changing for you and others 

00:16:04 - Overcoming fears of turning an acquaintance into a friendship and why it's important to remind yourself of the positive impact of your friendship too

00:18:27 - what hospice patients have learned about making new friends

00:19:37 - who would you like a deeper friendship with and what's the next smallest step you can take to expand your social circle?
 

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Website: luyikathyzhang.com