Water your friendships—and watch yourself grow. Research has found that female friendships and connections can have a variety of health benefits, both mental and physical.
The study
A recent paper published in the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London found that social support is crucial for health and well-being, especially for women. Studies have shown that having access to a supportive social network is linked to quality of life and happiness, and the way women’s social connections are structured may make it particularly significant and beneficial.
The implications
Since studies show that women are especially skilled at quickly tapping into their support networks during stressful times, utilizing these relationships appears to be particularly beneficial when dealing with challenging situations.
Keeping in mind that stress can lead to negative health outcomes (including increased risk of hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes), utilizing the stress-busting benefits of friendships can be beneficial for overall mental and physical health.
Water your friendships
Want to dive deeper and strengthen your friendships? Here are some tips:
- Say hello! Life can be busy, so if you aren’t able to see your friends as often as you’d like, even a quick text or call can keep your friendship strong while you make plans to see them in person.
- Go deeper. Opening up to your friends about deeper issues in your life can help strengthen your bond and lay a foundation of trust.
- Grow your circle. If you’re looking to make new friends and connections, try attending events in your community, volunteering for a cause you’re passionate about, or taking up a new group-based hobby like yoga or an art class.
This article was originally published in the May 2025 issue of delicious living magazine.
