Catching up with friends is as beneficial to mental health as a relaxing bath or vigorous workout, according to research.<br /><br />A poll of 2,000 adults found a 24-minute chat with close friends is seen as valuable to one’s wellbeing as a relaxing bath - with the average Brit only needing one hour and 49 minutes in the company of friends to improve their overall wellbeing.<br /><br />And a 25-minute conversation is considered just as good as an exercise session.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />With 67 per cent believing that spending time with close companions really helps their mind, body, and soul.<br /><br />However, 46 per cent wish they could see their friends more often than they currently do.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />“We understand life is busy and we all wish we just had a little more time to catch up with our friends."<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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).<br /><br />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).<br /><br />A sense of connection (67 per cent), happiness (62 per cent) and belonging (47 per cent) are the top advantages of spending time with closest confidants, according to the OnePoll.com study.<br /><br />It also emerged 72 per cent feel quality time spent talking is the most important part of get-togethers - compared to trying new experiences (14 per cent) or ‘fancy’ aesthetic surroundings (10 per cent).<br /><br />In response to the findings, Califia Farms has partnered with singer, Rachel Stevens, and her best friend Nikki Glazer Hodge.
