WomensHealth
  • News
  • Health
  • Fitness
  • Sex & Love
  • Food
  • Lifestyle
  • Weight Loss
  • Women In Sport
  • Podcasts
  • Video
WomensHealth
  • News
  • Health
  • Fitness
  • Sex & Love
  • Food
  • Lifestyle
  • Weight Loss
  • Women In Sport
  • Podcasts
  • Video
This Simple, Effective Ab Workout Will Shred Your Six-Pack
Watch 0:23

This Simple, Effective Ab Workout Will Shred Your Six-Pack

{headline}

{headline}

5 Reasons Why Female Friendships Are Vital For Your Health

5 Reasons Why Female Friendships Are Vital For Your Health

Having Regular Sex May Help Delay Menopause

Having Regular Sex May Help Delay Menopause

How To Deal With A Narcissist And Their Manipulative BS

How To Deal With A Narcissist And Their Manipulative BS

Your Vagina Parts: A Cheat Sheet For What's Going On, Down There

Your Vagina Parts: A Cheat Sheet For What's Going On, Down There

{headline}

{headline}

Your May 2019 Horoscope: Cut Yourself Some (Much-Needed) Slack

Your May 2019 Horoscope: Cut Yourself Some (Much-Needed) Slack

Science Says Women Should Hang Out With Their Besties At least Twice A Week

Science Says Women Should Hang Out With Their Besties At least Twice A Week

Science Says This Is How Many Best Friends You’ll Have In Your Lifetime

Science Says This Is How Many Best Friends You’ll Have In Your Lifetime

{headline}

{headline}

6 Telltale Signs You Need to See Your Doctor About Low Libido

6 Telltale Signs You Need to See Your Doctor About Low Libido

Your October Horoscope: All Kinds Of Fun Is Coming Your Way

Your October Horoscope: All Kinds Of Fun Is Coming Your Way

9 Major Warning Signs You're Dealing With A Narcissist

9 Major Warning Signs You're Dealing With A Narcissist

9 Things That Happen To Your Body When You Stop Having Sex

9 Things That Happen To Your Body When You Stop Having Sex

This Relationship Habit Could Be Wreaking Havoc With Your Gut Health

This Relationship Habit Could Be Wreaking Havoc With Your Gut Health

Turns Out Bailing On Plans Is Actually Bad For Your Health

Turns Out Bailing On Plans Is Actually Bad For Your Health

These Are The First Warning Signs That Person You're Dating Is Toxic

These Are The First Warning Signs That Person You're Dating Is Toxic

  1. Home
  2. Health

6 Ways Your BFFs Can Better Your Health

You have a lot to thank them for. - by Lauren Williamson
  • 05 Sep 2018
6 Ways Your BFFs Can Better Your Health
Gossip Girl

First step? Spend more time with your BFFs. Yep, this healthy habit is far more appealing than burpees and broccoli and can benefit your wellness in a multitude of ways. Here are some of them. 

1. They can lessen the blow of rejection

Sure, smashing a family block while bingeing on your fave Netflix series with a bestie is a no brainer when it comes to getting over a breakup or a bad job interview. But research shows that when you’re hanging out with a friend can actually decrease your body’s production of the stress hormone cortisol that happens in response to being rejected.

Princess Charlotte No GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

2. They can help you survive the tough times

There’s no doubt that having a hand to hold during the darkest periods of your life can help immeasurably. In fact, a study has shown that having a friend around during crappy events can significantly buffer the negativity of the experience and increase your self worth.

RELATED: How To Help A Loved One In An Abusive Relationship

Greys Anatomy Cristina And Meredith GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

3. They can extend your life

Yep, you and your BFFS will be wreaking havoc around the retirement village if you stay tight. Research has found that people who have strong social relationships are less likely to die prematurely. In fact, cancel that spin class and book in a catch up – according to a 2010 review of research having good mates is twice as effective as exercise and quitting smoking when it comes to extending your life.

Absolutely Fabulous National Drink Wine Day GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

4. They can make you more productive at work

It sounds counterintuitive but having mates in the office can actually make you work harder. Research shows that close work friendships increase job satisfaction by 50 percent and people with a "work wife" are seven times more likely to fully engage in their work.  

RELATED: 4 No-Bullsh*t Tips For Working With A Friend

Parks And Recreation GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

5. They can make you fitter

Another reason to catch up ASAP? A number of studies have found that exercising with a buddy can encourage you to work out harder and more frequently, through both inspiration and competition. But instead of being a slave driver, some research suggests that emotional support and encouragement from a fit friend is more beneficial than "practical support" like never missing a session. 

Friends Running GIF by TV Land Classic - Find & Share on GIPHY

6. They can improve your mental health

Research has found that people with higher-quality, close friendships at the age of 15 have a decreased symptoms of depression and an increased sense of self-worth by the time they reached 25. 

Season 4 Sunglasses GIF by Broad City - Find & Share on GIPHY
  • Health
  • Relationships
Lauren Williamson
Lauren Williamson
Lauren Williamson is the Digital Content Manager for Women's Health and Men's Health. She's an experienced journalist, editor and social media fiend who's well versed in reporting on everything from food trends to fitness, health news to haircare. She has a double degree in Journalism and Political Science.

Subscribe Now-6 Issues just $39

Subscribe Now
Subscribe Now

Subscribe Now-6 Issues just $39

Subscribe Now
Subscribe Now

Recommended to you

This Simple, Effective Ab Workout Will Shred Your Six-Pack
Watch 0:23

This Simple, Effective Ab Workout Will Shred Your Six-Pack

{headline}

{headline}

5 Reasons Why Female Friendships Are Vital For Your Health

5 Reasons Why Female Friendships Are Vital For Your Health

Having Regular Sex May Help Delay Menopause

Having Regular Sex May Help Delay Menopause

How To Deal With A Narcissist And Their Manipulative BS

How To Deal With A Narcissist And Their Manipulative BS

Your Vagina Parts: A Cheat Sheet For What's Going On, Down There

Your Vagina Parts: A Cheat Sheet For What's Going On, Down There

{headline}

{headline}

Your May 2019 Horoscope: Cut Yourself Some (Much-Needed) Slack

Your May 2019 Horoscope: Cut Yourself Some (Much-Needed) Slack

Science Says Women Should Hang Out With Their Besties At least Twice A Week

Science Says Women Should Hang Out With Their Besties At least Twice A Week

Science Says This Is How Many Best Friends You’ll Have In Your Lifetime

Science Says This Is How Many Best Friends You’ll Have In Your Lifetime

{headline}

{headline}

6 Telltale Signs You Need to See Your Doctor About Low Libido

6 Telltale Signs You Need to See Your Doctor About Low Libido

Your October Horoscope: All Kinds Of Fun Is Coming Your Way

Your October Horoscope: All Kinds Of Fun Is Coming Your Way

9 Major Warning Signs You're Dealing With A Narcissist

9 Major Warning Signs You're Dealing With A Narcissist

9 Things That Happen To Your Body When You Stop Having Sex

9 Things That Happen To Your Body When You Stop Having Sex

This Relationship Habit Could Be Wreaking Havoc With Your Gut Health

This Relationship Habit Could Be Wreaking Havoc With Your Gut Health

Turns Out Bailing On Plans Is Actually Bad For Your Health

Turns Out Bailing On Plans Is Actually Bad For Your Health

These Are The First Warning Signs That Person You're Dating Is Toxic

These Are The First Warning Signs That Person You're Dating Is Toxic

WomensHealth
  • About Paragon Media
  • Contact Paragon Media
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement
  • About Paragon Media
  • Contact Paragon Media
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement

Brands

Our Network

  • Paragon Media Pty Ltd
  • Men’s Health
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe Now-6 Issues just $39

Shop This Offer
Subscribe Now