From tight familial relationships and friendships to larger connections across a community or social network, social ties can take various forms. Regardless of the sort of relationship, research indicates that those who maintain these ties get significant health advantages.

The power of social relationships to buffer the harmful impacts of stress is one of the most significant health advantages. When people are faced with stressful conditions, the presence of social support can assist to mitigate the effects of that stress on the body. Research published in the journal Social Science and Medicine, for example, discovered that those with strong social links had lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, than people with lesser social ties.

Social relationships can have a favorable influence on mental health in addition to lowering stress. According to research, those who have deep social ties had reduced incidences of sadness, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. This is most likely because social links create a sense of belonging and support, which may assist to boost self-esteem and lessen feelings of loneliness.

Finally, social relationships can have a large influence on physical health. According to research, those who have strong social relationships are less likely to acquire chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.