"I didn't grow up in a traditional family, and I never had a family dinner around the table," says actress/talk show host Drew Barrymore. "So whenever I actually had a dinner 'plan,' it meant a lot to me; it made me feel excited and safe."

Mealtimes shared with family and friends really do improve your emotional outlook and reduce your tension and stress.

That's the conclusion of a survey from the American Heart Association (AHA). Nationwide, the AHA interviewed 1,000 adults who said they ate alone more than half of the time. They also acknowledged that eating with family and friends has great benefits:

• 91% of parents notice their family is less stressed when they share family meals together.

• 67% said sharing a meal reminds them of the importance of connecting with others.

• 59% said they make healthier food choices when eating with other people.

• 54% say it reminds them to slow down and take a break.

Work, school, and recreation schedules make getting everyone together at the dinner table a challenge, but it's one worth taking on.

Having meals with family (and friends) is associated with lower rates of depression, anxiety, obesity, and substance abuse; fewer eating disorders; less tobacco use; healthier hearts and brains; and higher rates of resilience and self-esteem.

And not just for kids — for adults, too.

Make a date for a sit-down meal where friends and family can laugh, chat, relax, and feel the healing benefits of connection that get served up.