25 Reasons Why You Need Girlfriends - Redbook

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Having other women in your life doesn't just increase your pool of people to watch The Bachelor finale with. Health experts have discovered a long list of ways in which girlfriends can impact your overall wellness. In celebration of National Girlfriends Day, we're counting all the ways these special bonds can improve your life.

1

You'll have more empathy.

Our brains are actually wired to feel the joy or sadness of close friends. Greater empathy can lead to more personal and professional successes, while also making you happier.

2

You'll feel less stressed.

There's a reason why even animals like chimpanzees, dolphins, and bats form friendships: they ease tension and help alleviate stress.

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You'll be more productive.

Contrary to what you might think, making friends at work can help you be even more productive, plus, those relationships can even boost your creativity and healthy competition among co-workers.

4

You'll live longer.

According to a study from Brigham Young University, you have "50% increased odds of survival if you have a solid social network.” That's pretty good reason to pick up the phone and make plans every once in a while.

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Your self-esteem will improve.

Having girlfriends who love and support you can make you feel better about yourself and less prone to depression.

6

You'll make better decisions.

Befriending someone who's a positive influence can help inspire you to make the important decisions necessary to live a long, healthy life.

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Your mind will stay sharp.

According to researchers at Northwestern University who studied people over the age of 80, there was a connection between subjects who had the best memory function and those with the strongest social ties.

8

You'll exercise more.

If you have close friends who work out on a regular basis, you're much more likely to do so as well. Who needs a bar when you have the gym?

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You'll develop healthier eating habits.

Girlfriends can also help improve your diet. Being around people who eat healthy can create better habits, plus they might be a source for great recipe ideas!

10

Your career will benefit.

Not only are you more productive at work when you have friends—they can also help you find a better job. Having more girlfriends means more networking opportunities and people to lean on for inspiration and encouragement.

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You'll learn more about yourself.

Thinking about your friendships means thinking about yourself. After all, it wouldn't be a friendship without you.

12

You'll have more fun.

Some studies have shown that people have a better time around their friends than they do their own family members. You can't pick your family, as they say.

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You'll feel like you belong.

Having girlfriends will improve your sense of belonging and make you feel like you have more purpose in life. Even if that purpose is just grabbing brunch and sharing some laughs!

14

You'll grieve easier.

Being close with someone can help you deal with grief and make it easier for you to get back to your normal self after suffering a loss.

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You'll feel more validated.

Girlfriends make you feel more validated by reminding you of your own worth, but also by relating to your thoughts and experiences.

16

You'll be able to share more thoughts and emotions.

If you're close enough with a girlfriend, you can really get a lot of things off of your chest. Having someone to talk to about serious matters can really make you feel less burdened.

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You'll dig deeper than with male friends.

Friends of any gender are wonderful, but there can be an even greater understanding of each other when you share more of the same experiences.

18

You'll get honest opinions.

If you're going to get negative feedback from someone, it's better that it be from a person who you know has your back and wants you to succeed.

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You'll gain a fresh perspective.

No matter how close or similar you and your girlfriends are, they're different people who can help you see the world differently.

20

You'll have a higher pain tolerance.

Spending time with people you care about can help you tolerate pain. Perhaps because they're distracting you with hilarious jokes, interesting stories, and, if you're lucky, maybe even offering up a quick massage.

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