In the last year, I’ve turned to the simple joys of life. Besides spending quality time with my family and re-adjusting to a new kind of work/life balance, what I’ve rediscovered ... is the bliss I feel when I reconnect with my friends.

It’s that comfort of connection. The spark of laughter. The simple gift of listening, and of giving and receiving positive energy. In fact, my friendships have added so much more meaning to my life, that I’ve now made it my weekly ritual – to plan my walks mindfully, with friends who fill my cup with loyalty, positivity, and unconditional support.

Why are connections so vital to our health and wellbeing? What is it what we need from our friendships to feel whole and well-balanced? For me, it’s that funny friend, who makes you laugh when life is tough. The soulful friend, who uplifts you just by being with them. Or the friend who simply, understands you. It’s the simple act of togetherness. Making time to see friends is so important for our daily dose of happy. It’s also the very thing that money can’t buy. Friends enrich us in a myriad of ways. They support, encourage and guide us. They teach and challenge us to be better. They are there to cushion us when we are down, and they are our biggest cheerleaders when we experience success. As kindred spirits, friendships bind us

with another person, and are incredibly valuable for our health. Like my friend Anita Moorjani explains, that ‘as humans, we are a collective, all made from the same source of energy’. If this is the case – then this is

precisely why we need more connection in our lives ... For we are the source of positive energy for each other. Don’t let our new normal distract you from regular contact with your friends. Start the ball rolling. Organise a long-overdue walk. Make it your weekly ritual. If not face-to-face, then virtually. In time, you will wonder why you hadn’t done it sooner.

 Do you have a weekly routine that has boosted your wellbeing? If so, share it in the comments. I would love to hear about it!