Healthy Activities and Fun Things to Do With Friends

Want to relieve stress and lead a healthy life? Head to an art gallery, go shopping or belt out tunes on karaoke night. Grab some friends and try out these surprising activities that are both healthy and good for groups.

Spending Time with Friends

Call your close friends for a night out in the town, or nerd out with them over board games. Studies have shown that spending quality time with friends boosts the immune system, reduces levels of stress and speeds recovery1. Having a strong support network and social ties might even help you live longer2.

Bonus Tip: Building a Habit?

Boost motivation with friendly competition! Compete with family and friends to see who walks the most per week - winner gets a treat.

Get Some Retail Therapy

Shopping is a good way to sneak in some exercise: a UK study found that women take an average of 7,300 steps per shopping trip3. Hit the malls for a window-shopping spree and you're well on your way to clock the recommended 10,000 steps per day.

Bonus Tip: Tuckered Out After Shopping?

Pamper yourself with a massage or mini-pedicure to rejuvenate your body and mind.

Volunteering Makes You Happy

Volunteering is good for your mind and body. A Singapore study found that volunteers were more likely to report being happy and satisfied with their lives than non-givers4. Other studies have also linked volunteering with greater longevity and lower risk of heart disease5. Not sure where to start? Check out giving.sg for some ideas.

Grab a Mic on Karaoke Night

Enjoy singing karaoke? You'll sing for joy to learn that singing brings you various health benefits6 - the aerobic activity works out muscles in your upper body, is good for your heart and reduces stress. Group singing also fosters social bonding7.

Admire (and Make) Art

Tap into your artsy side to de-stress. How Does Art Relieve Stress? A visit to the art gallery might help reduce levels of cortisol, commonly known as stress hormone8. To build up stress resistance, pick up a brush and paint a piece or two - a study showed that creating visual art can improve psychological resilience9.

Contributed By: Health Promotion Board (HPB)
Fun and Healthy Activities with Friends for Stress Relief by Health Promotion Board, 23 June 2021, www.healthhub.sg.