Regular holidays with friends are one of the best ways to stay happy, according to a psychologist.
While many will prioritise annual leave for a family holiday , it's a break away with close friends that's better for health and happiness - away from the stress of work and other obligations.
Spending time in person with good pals is one of the best ways to boost overall happiness, says social-personality psychologist Dr William Chopik.
He says that these sorts of relationships are "are a way to derive all the benefits of being in a relationship with someone without the enormity of it."
Speaking to Well + Good , he said: “Friendships are really important for people’s happiness.”
“In general, [they offer] improvements on metrics like depression and anxiety.
"Friends serve as a source of support. You can share things with them that you may feel you can’t with partner or family member - particularly if you’re having trouble with said partner or family member", he added.
He also explains that friendships boost happiness and morale, because they are "relationships of choice."
He said: "You choose to hang out together because you enjoy each other’s company.”
Describing how they allow you to connect more with your pals, Dr Chopik added: "You can sit down, look them in the eye, have a true back-and-forth and read each other's body language.
He also explained the benefits of spending time with friends in person, rather than digital connections. He said: "They can see you and your facial expressions. You're emotionally responding to things and you can pick up on their emotions. You don't always get that through a phone call."
A study from Harvard University about the benefit of strong relationships agrees that time spend with friends can improve health and happiness - and even increase longevity. The research found that meeting with friends is an important opportunity to check in with each other, exchange ideas, and lend some social support to one another.
The study found that social connections like these not only give pleasure, but they also influence long-term health in ways as beneficial as adequate sleep, a good diet, and not smoking.
If you want some holiday inspiration, Wowcher's £99 mystery holiday deal is back - to over 40 different worldwide locations.
Or take an ultimate relaxation trip in one of the many luxurious spa hotels in the picturesque Lake District.
If you want to make the break strictly girls-only, a new hotel has opened with a strict 'no-men allowed' policy in sunny Majorca.
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