Hanging out with BFF twice a week can improve mental and physical health

While we can’t remember all the quotes that admire the beauty of friendship, we do remember a few movies – ‘Dil Chata Hai’, ‘Veere Di Wedding’, ‘Sholay’ to name a few. Popular culture has been obsessed with stories about true friendship. Because they’re relatable and powerful. In fact, some may say that a little quality time with a friend is pretty much like food for the soul. And before you call our bluff, let us continue. Turns out, there is scientific proof. According to a research conducted in the University of Oxford, spending time with your BFF twice a week is good for your mental and physical health.

The study also says that people who have a larger friend circle tend to suffer less from illness and recover quicker from surgery and are less likely to die. A sweet deal, don’t you think? Chill with your best friend to live longer. Where can we sign up?

"The figure of twice a week comes from our findings that this is the amount of time that you typically spend with your closest friends/family," professor of evolutionary psychology Dr. Robin Dunbar told a leading international daily. For both sexes (no surprise), having a large, well-integrated social network has a significant impact on both physical and emotional health."

If you’re thinking this is just a female thing, let us break it to you – it’s not. "Bonds can be formed through a range of activities from team sports to male banter—or simply having a pint with your pals on a Friday night," Dunbar continued. "However, the key to maintaining strong friendships is to meet up twice a week and do stuff with the four people closest to you."

We like the sound of this happening. With that being said, excuse us a second. *Calls BFF to make plans for the weekend!*