Happy Sweetest Day! Today especially, spend time with someone you love, whether a romantic partner, close relative or good friend – and make a commitment to strengthen your relationships year-round. Staying connected with others is good for your health.

Wide-ranging research suggests that strong social ties are linked to a longer life. It’s not just romantic relationships – strong social ties include friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, clubs and religious groups.

Studies have found that people who have larger and more diverse types of social ties tend to live longer. High-quality relationships can help reduce the risk of chronic disease and serious illness, such as heart disease, stroke, dementia, depression and anxiety.

Social connection can even help you develop healthy eating habits, stay physically active, have better quality sleep and better manage stress, anxiety and depression.

So have fun with your loved ones today! And if you’re looking for ways to expand your social connections, here are ideas from the National Institutes of Health:

• Join a group focused on a favorite hobby, such as reading, hiking, painting or wood carving.

• Take a class in yoga, tai chi or another new physical activity.

• Help with gardening at a community garden or park.

• Volunteer at a school, library, hospital or place of worship.

Join a local community group or find other ways to get involved in things you care about.

Sources:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Institutes of Health