Detroit Today: Health benefits of maintaining friendships

Author Sheila Liming joined “Detroit Today” to discuss why Americans are having a harder time keeping their social circle active.

A photo of people's shoes as they're sitting outside.

American workers spend more hours at work than their counterparts in other countries around the globe.

This means the work-life balance isn’t so balanced in the U.S., including spending less time with friends.

Notably, recent studies continue to suggest that prioritizing friendship has many health and quality of life benefits. But is there a best way to spend time with friends and cultivate relationships?

Sheila Liming, author of the book “Hanging Out: The Radical Power of Killing Time,” joined Detroit Today to discuss why Americans are having a harder time keeping their social circle active.


Listen: Why hanging out with friends is important for your health


Guest

Sheila Liming is an associate professor of professional writing at Champlain College. Liming recently wrote the book “Hanging Out: The Radical Power of Killing Time.” She says people have difficulty recognizing how friendship can help benefit their well-being.

“I think part of what prevents us from hanging out is the inability to sort of claim that time for ourselves and to recognize that it’s important to our social and personal well-being,” says Liming.

Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.

WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

Donate today »

Author

  • Detroit Today
    Dynamic and diverse voices. News, politics, community and the issues that define our region. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephen Henderson, Detroit Today brings you fresh and perceptive views weekdays at 9 am and 7 pm.