Catching up with friends is ‘as beneficial to mental health as a relaxing bath or exercise’

CATCHING up with friends is as beneficial to mental health as a relaxing bath or vigorous workout, according to research.

A poll of 2,000 adults found a 24-minute chat with close pals is seen as just as valuable to one’s wellbeing as a soak in the tub.

The average Brit needs only one hour and 49 minutes in the company of friends to improve their overall wellbeing, it was found.

And a 25-minute conversation is considered just as good as an exercise session.

Getting together for a coffee (51 per cent), taking a walk (46 per cent), and enjoying a meal out (43 per cent) were cited as the best bonding experiences this summer.

The research, commissioned by plant-based beverage brand Califia Farms, revealed 41 per cent prefer to catch up with friends in the comfort of their own home rather than venturing out to a café or bar.

And 67 per cent believe that spending time with close companions really helps their mind, body, and soul.

However, 46 per cent wish they could see their friends more often than they currently do.

Sophie Webb, from Califia Farms, which has a Cold Brew ready to drink range, said: "It’s great to see that Brits view their regular coffee catch ups as important and people consider it a top bonding experience to have with friends.

"We understand life is busy and we all wish we just had a little more time to catch up with our friends."

Summer is the perfect time to schedule plans with loved ones as 56 per cent feel the longer evenings allow greater opportunity to do this.

While 45 per cent think this time of year allows them to host more at home, with having a picnic or barbeque (56 per cent) and garden get-togethers (50 per cent) also featuring.

With the rise of sobriety, 55 per cent prefer to ditch the alcohol and connect with friends over a coffee - as it allows for richer conversation (34 per cent), greater connection (31 per cent) and is more cost beneficial (31 per cent).

A quarter (24 per cent) believe a one-hour caffeine-fuelled catch up is more valuable than an entire night out, with popular reasons including price (32 per cent), convenience (30 per cent) and noise levels (26 per cent).