Life with a sibling could be pretty darn awesome. There are moments, of course, when you bicker or occasions where your parents seem to favor one of you over the other (blame your mom and dad for the one). Overall, though, brothers and sisters can come along with some major wellness benefits − and that is something to celebrate. We’ve rounded up all the ways your siblings make you a happier and better person. Take a look at them below and make sure you thank your brothers and sisters today.
Ways Siblings Make You a Happier And Better Person
1. Old photos can boost optimism
Studies suggest that nostalgia — like scrolling through images of you and your growing up brothers and sisters — will improve feelings of happiness and have a positive effect on your emotions.
2. Sisters can boost mental health
Research from Brigham Young University shows that a loving relationship with a sister — whether old or young — saves you from feeling lonely in your childhood, guilty, self-conscious or terrifying.
3. Siblings make you more joyful later in life.
A brother or sister has benefits that extend beyond your younger years. The research shows that a strong relationship with a sibling is associated with positive mood and overall health during middle and old age. Later life also promoted a supportive relationship with a child.
4. Youngest kids may be funnier and more adventurous
To hold you in stitches leaves it to the youngest. A survey conducted in 2015 found that younger siblings are more likely to consider themselves the ones with a stronger sense of humor, whereas older brothers and sisters are more likely to consider themselves more seriously. Evidence also indicates that younger children may become more exploratory and more open to experiences.
5. Having a sibling could make you physically healthier
Our close connections have the biggest influence on our healthy habits. Data from the 2011 Edelman Health Barometer global survey suggests that 46 percent of people polled across 12 countries believe their friends and family have the biggest impact on their lifestyle choices, including staying active.
6. Hanging out with siblings reduces stress
Research shows that spending time with a loved one can be helpful in beating stress, and experts say siblings can especially help protect you against negative stress effects as a child. Perhaps a day’s shopping is just what you need.
7. Siblings may help you live longer
Having a close bond pays off. Strong social ties − like bonds, you might create with your siblings − related to longevity improvement. Research shows that people with poor connections have a higher risk of dying (on average around 7.5 years earlier) than people with close relationships with others. That could be because your family and friends are helping you to take better care of yourself and act as encouragement when your physical or mental health is at risk. To put your siblings on the speed dial sounds like a good reason.
8. Middle siblings often good peacekeepers
Research on families and the order of birth indicate that middle children may be the ones who are good at consensus and negotiation. A 2010 research study has shown that middle children are generally more sociable and pleasant in comparison to both older and younger adults.
9. Eldest siblings naturally more responsible
Firstborns have got the whole thing to rely on pat. Eldest siblings are often seen as being more obedient and responsible. Interestingly, they tend to focus more on family values and loyalty. Yeah, either you’re completely able to count on your older sibling or you’re the oldest and you’ve probably learned to be confident.
10. They make it easier to meet the opposite gender
Want to get relaxed with opposite sex members? Having a sibling could just make it easier. In reality, research reveals that when talking to new members of the opposite sex, having an older sibling of the opposite sex also significantly increased trust among subjects.
11. They Help Us Learn to Take a Joke
Ask anybody with a sibling and they’ll tell you, nobody’s like your brother or your sister will crack you. The closeness of sibling relationships is a true source of inside jokes and all those early years of gentle teasing are undeniably beneficial in later life when it comes to growing a thicker skin.
So these are some of the ways your siblings make you a happier and better person even when they get on your nerves.
When you need a shoulder to cry on, help stands up to a bully or be a troubled friend, siblings are there. And if you get hurt, they might even take the heat for you from your parents.
Also Read: Know What Is Middle Child Syndrome
