YOUR friend gets your joke. Your colleague at work offers congratulations. Your partner hugs you and says hello. They are all helping you beat stress and boost your wellbeing. In a study in the USA it was found that 71% of people surveyed turned to friends or family in times of stress.

This is not surprising as humans are social animals. We crave feeling supported, valued and connected with one another. Furthermore, research points to the benefits of social connection. In one compelling study, a key difference between very happy people and less-happy people was good relationships. Being connected leads to increased happiness.