Why women need best friends
Why women need best friends
October 8, 2015By First For Women
There is something powerful and meaningful about women friendships that energises us, challenges us in all the best ways, and makes us better people for them. If you’ve got a best friend, you probably already know just how much better you feel when you’ve had a good belly laugh with her, or how your worries can feel insignificant when you’ve talked out your problems. Even when you fight, you know that you’ll be able to sort it out.
If you’re lucky enough to have a best friend, there is a range of mental and physical benefits you’re getting from her that you probably didn’t even know about! Read on to find out what they are:
Health benefits Did you know that when your best friend makes you laugh until you cry, it’s actually good for your health? According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter has a number of short- and long-term benefits. When you laugh, you inhale more oxygen, which stimulates your lungs, heart and muscles.
It also stimulates your brain to release endorphins, which are known as the body’s natural painkillers, and they have similar effects to those of morphine. In addition to this, laughter can help to relax you, strengthen your immune system, lessen the effects of depression, and help you connect with other people.
Boosted cancer survival rates
A small study conducted in 2005 observed 61 women who had advanced ovarian cancer. The results of the study suggested that there were higher levels of a certain protein marker that is associated with a poorer prognosis in women who had weaker social bonds. That weekly catch-up that you and your best friend enjoy could have more positive effects than either of you imagined!
Honesty
Honesty is important in every relationship, and your best bud will give it to you even when you don’t want to hear it, because she knows when you need to hear it. Whether you’re talking about your partner, a big career move, or what you’re wearing, you know you can always count on her to tell you the truth.
Improved self-confidence
Low self-esteem can have a negative impact on your mental well-being. Indeed, it can make it difficult to complete even the simplest tasks, such as obtaining insurance quotes when you know you really need them, or going to the gym to work out. But when you’ve got a friend that can be honest, real and supportive with you, your self-confidence will soar. Sometimes, when you’re having a bad day and feeling pretty low, a kind word from your best friend can make you feel on top of the world again.
You feel understood
There are times when the only thing you need is for someone to say, “I understand,” and validate your feelings. Even if she hasn’t experienced what you’re going through, she loves you so much that she can put herself in your position and empathise with how you’re feeling. And you can do the same for her, which is what friendship is really about. Your best friend also knows you inside-out – possibly more than any other person on the earth, and when you’re going through something, she knows just what to say to make you feel better. Often, you don’t even need to tell her how you’re feeling; she already knows.
Be more independent
Our friends often encourage us to try new things, whether it’s to simply eat at a restaurant we’ve never been to or to take up a new hobby. By doing things that are different and out of our comfort zones, our friends encourage us to be more independent and adventurous. Now that you’ve read about all the wonderful things you and your best friend do for each other without even realising it, share the love and send this blog to her!
