New Study Reveals the Importance of Female Friendships for Dealing with Stress
We all have our fair share of imperfections and baggage, and sometimes we make mistakes that we don’t learn from. But one thing that can help us navigate through the messiness of life is having strong bonds with friends who understand us and can relate to our experiences. According to a 2014 UCLA study, female friendships can actually help reduce the overwhelming stress we face on a daily basis.
The study, conducted by Laura Cousin Klein, Ph.D., and Shelly Taylor, found that when women are stressed, the hormone oxytocin, also known as the love hormone, is released. This hormone not only buffers the fight or flight stress response, but it also encourages women to tend to their children and gather together with other women. When women engage in this tending or befriending behavior, more oxytocin is released, counterbalancing the stress and producing a calming effect.
Friendship between women is drastically important, especially if it’s with someone who knows exactly what you’re going through and can relate to your past experiences. We all need someone who grounds us, accepts us for our mistakes, and stands up for us when everyone else seems to be over our crazy stunts. Having a friend who has been there and done that can be incredibly comforting and can create a bond that lasts a lifetime.
But perhaps one of the most important aspects of female friendships is that they provide a judgment-free zone. We all know how it feels to be judged, but having a non-critical friend who appreciates our unique view of the world and life is difficult to find. When we can be ourselves without fear of judgment, it allows us to heal and grow.
Furthermore, friendships help us prioritize ourselves and our well-being. Our friends are there to support us through our ups and downs, and they remain by our side even when our dreams fail or our hearts get broken. They see friendship as a priority and understand the importance of having someone to lean on during difficult times.
Lastly, having a friend who can empathize with our problems is invaluable. We all make mistakes and go through tough times, but having a friend who truly understands what we’re going through creates a strong connection between us. When someone can relate to our struggles and has empathy, it shows that they genuinely care about us.
In conclusion, our friendships play a vital role in helping us navigate through the challenges and stresses of life. We need friends who accept us for who we are, can relate to our experiences, and provide a judgment-free and empathetic support system. So if you have a friend who fits this description, hold onto them tightly because they are truly priceless.
Sources:
– UCLA study: Women and Stress, published in the American Psychological Association’s Psychological Review
– YourTango.com