Science shows that women with strong social connections live longer and have happier lives. Why? Oxytocin, baby!

The physical and mental benefits of girl time are life-saving. So, go out with that friend who keeps inviting you out, and read on to learn why!

Why Female-Female Friendship, in Particular?

Most stress-related research has been done on men, and for almost five decades, we assumed men and women handled stress the same way. That is until a 2000 UCLA study found that, unlike men, women don’t just react with fight-or-flight.

Women’s stress response includes the release of oxytocin, the love and bonding hormone. Yep, the same one that gets released after sex or during a long hug!

That chemical reaction offers an alternative to the fight-or flight-response, which scientists now refer to as the “tend and befriend” response.

Instead of isolating or fighting as is common with men, oxytocin encourages women to protect their children or connect with other women. Then, as we connect with others, more oxytocin is released, further reducing stress and offering more calm.

Men produce high levels of testosterone when under stress, which counteracts oxytocin, while women’s estrogen boosts oxytocin.

Turns out, just like fight-or-flight is an ancient survival instinct when faced with predators, so is women’s tend-and-befriend, helping to keep our civilizations alive. How cool is that?

What are the Physical Benefits of Friendship?

The influx of stress-reducing oxytocin is just one of many physical benefits of female friendship.

Research suggests that meaningful friendships reduce our risk of disease and an early death by lowering our blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol.

The famous Nurses’ Health Study from Harvard Medical School told us that the more friends a woman has, the less likelihood she has of developing physical ailments as she ages and the higher likelihood she has of living a joyful life. The researchers concluded that not having close friends can be just as detrimental as being overweight or smoking.

The same study found that, even after an event as stressful as the death of a spouse, having close friends can prevent disease.

With a network of trusted friends, you’re also more likely to have an stronger immune system and a lesser chance of developing dementia!

Beyond the Physical: How Female Friendships Improve Mental Health

Did you know that lonely people have shorter life spans?

Well, it’s true, and by staving off loneliness with true friends, you can also reduce your risk of anxiety, depression, and stress.

The healing powers of oxytocin aren’t just physical, they’re emotional and psychological, too. That means higher self-esteem, more inner peace, and a greater sense of community and inspiration to be yourself.

Female friendships bring us that in a way our partnerships and family maybe can’t—there’s less tiptoeing around sensitive feelings. You can vent, be silly, or just sit in silence when needed, and your girlfriends will be there to hold space for you.

A regulated nervous system means a happier, healthier life with more fulfillment and joy, and bonding with friends is the key.

Judgment-Free Yapping Saves Lives

Science has repeatedly shown us that stress is a killer, but now that we know about the healing powers of oxytocin, we can save ourselves.

The next time you get stressed, let yourself reach out to a girlfriend. Go out for drinks, get a bite to eat, or talk for hours.

It is literally the difference between health and death.