Having other women in your life doesn’t just increase your pool of people to watch The Bachelor finale with. Health experts have discovered a long list of ways in which girlfriends can impact your overall wellness. In celebration of National Girlfriends Day, we’re counting all the ways these special bonds can improve your life.
You’ll have more empathy.
Our brains are actually wired to feel the joy or sadness of close friends. Greater empathy can lead to more personal and professional successes, while also making you happier.
You’ll feel less stressed.
There’s a reason why even animals like chimpanzees, dolphins, and bats form friendships: they ease tension and help alleviate stress.
You’ll be more productive.
Contrary to what you might think, making friends at work can help you be even more productive, plus, those relationships can even boost your creativity and healthy competition among co-workers.
You’ll live longer.
According to a study from Brigham Young University, you have “50% increased odds of survival if you have a solid social network.” That’s a pretty good reason to pick up the phone and make plans every once in a while.
Your self-esteem will improve.
Having girlfriends who love and support you can make you feel better about yourself and less prone to depression.
You’ll make better decisions.
Befriending someone who’s a positive influence can help inspire you to make the important decisions necessary to live a long, healthy life.
Your mind will stay sharp.
According to researchers at Northwestern University who studied people over the age of 80, there was a connection between subjects who had the best memory function and those with the strongest social ties.
You’ll exercise more.
If you have close friends who work out on a regular basis, you’re much more likely to do so as well. Who needs a bar when you have the gym?
