Nearly half of Brits (46%) say they wish they could spend quality time with their closest friends more often, a study has revealed.
A survey of 2,000 adults found that 67% feel spending time with their nearest and dearest pals is good for their mind, body, and soul.
The top bonding activities Brits enjoy sharing with their friends include getting together for a coffee (51%), enjoying a meal out (43%), or going for a walk (46%).
And they feel that a 25-minute chat with a close friend is as beneficial to their wellbeing as a vigorous exercise session, or a nice relaxing soak in the bath.
Overall, it takes one hour and 49 minutes spent in the company of friends, for Brits to feel the positive impact on their overall wellbeing.
And the research, commissioned by plant-based beverage brand Califia Farms, revealed 41% prefer to catch up with friends in the comfort of their own home, rather than venturing out to a café or bar.
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.
“We understand life is busy, and we all wish we just had a little more time to catch up with our friends.”
Summer is the perfect time to schedule plans with loved ones, as 56% feel the longer evenings allow greater opportunity to do this.
And 45% think this time of year allows them to host more at home – with having a picnic or barbeque (56%), and garden get-togethers (50%), also featuring.
With the rise of sobriety, 55% prefer to ditch the alcohol and connect with friends over a coffee – as it allows for richer conversation (34%), greater connection (31%), and is more cost beneficial (31%).
A quarter (24%) believe a one-hour, caffeine-fuelled catch-up is more valuable than an entire night out – with popular reasons including price (32%), convenience (30%), and noise levels (26%).
A sense of connection (67%), happiness (62%), and belonging (47%) are the top advantages of spending time with closest confidants, according to the OnePoll.com study.
It also emerged 72% feel quality time spent talking is the most important part of get-togethers – compared to trying new experiences (14%), or “fancy” aesthetic surroundings (10%).
In response to the findings, Califia Farms has partnered with singer, Rachel Stevens, and her best friend, Nikki Glazer Hodge.
Rachel Stevens said: “Since spending time in LA, I fell in love with coffee over ice.
“Alongside chatting to Nikki, it’s one of my favourite things, and even when I don’t have a lot of time, I cherish our ritual of coffee and conversation at home.
“We block out time, make sure the children are entertained, and settle down in one of our houses so that we can sit back, relax, and have a good natter – it’s definitely quality over quantity for us.”
