The Positive Healing Effects of Caring

It has been claimed, to the point of becoming a cliché that friends are the family we choose for ourselves.  Good friends care unconditionally and rarely ostracize as a result of judged foolishness.  These close relationships are beneficial for many reasons, including our evolutionary need for belonging.  Interestingly, it is these positive bonds that we construct with other individuals that contain one healing element that medical science cannot manufacture. 

The feeling of being cared for by other individuals that we share commonalities with has been found to aid the healing process, and works as prevention against depression.  In fact, studies have shown that survival rates for serious illnesses including cancer are much higher in those individuals who have a solid social support system. 

So, the message for the day is, simple – let your friends and loved ones know how much you care, ignore any conflicts because human life is precious.  You hold the healing power.