Science of Friendships
Women's Health US|March 2023
Out of practice in the pal-production department? Whether you want to master maintaining already-tight bonds or forge brand-new ones that'll bolster your well-being for years to come, you can put these researchbacked strategies into play today.
LINDSAY GELLER, NAYDELINE MEJIA, AND LYDIA WANG
Science of Friendships

The Golden Girls were onto something when they said (well, sang), "Thank you for being a friend." Romantic relationships and family ties garner much of the attention, but friendship is the unsung hero of a fulfilling life. In fact, as you age, friendships become a stronger predictor of your health and happiness than family relationships, according to research by Michigan State University associate professor and social/ personality psychologist William Chopik, PhD. Friendships influence your well-being so much, another of Chopik's studies found, that when friends are a source of strain, people report more chronic illnesses. But when a squad is supportive? Folks tend to be happier. One (remarkably simple) reason: "Friendships are relationships of choice," says Chopik. "You have a friend because you want to spend time with them...whereas with family, you may have less flexibility." Not only do you decide who you spend your precious free time with, but you also choose how you spend it, which is usually on a leisure activity. Unlike divvying up household chores or suffering through small talk at a family obligation, catching up with your college buds over a laugh-filled meal "reduces stress," says Chopik.

Denne historien er fra March 2023-utgaven av Women's Health US.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra March 2023-utgaven av Women's Health US.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA WOMEN'S HEALTH USSe alt
Silver Linings Playbook
Women's Health US

Silver Linings Playbook

You can learn how to become more optimistic, no matter your starting point.

time-read
6 mins  |
November - December 2024
THE RISE of the GENTLE C-SECTION
Women's Health US

THE RISE of the GENTLE C-SECTION

How a new surgical practice is transforming women's childbirth experience

time-read
4 mins  |
November - December 2024
The Next Health Tech Revolution Is Here
Women's Health US

The Next Health Tech Revolution Is Here

From smart watches to tracking apps, devices are providing valuable insights.

time-read
7 mins  |
November - December 2024
Planting New Roots
Women's Health US

Planting New Roots

Six late-bloomer lesbians\" share their stories of how they learned to live—and love—authentically.

time-read
8 mins  |
November - December 2024
GROWING FORWARD
Women's Health US

GROWING FORWARD

Country singer KELSEA BALLERINI is working harder than ever to shake (and remake) old patterns that no longer serve her. Here, she opens up about her intentional journey and shares her mental health musts.

time-read
7 mins  |
November - December 2024
"Learning to Ski at 57 Helped Me Embrace Uncertainty"
Women's Health US

"Learning to Ski at 57 Helped Me Embrace Uncertainty"

Tackling something new-and terrifying was exactly what one freshly single midlifer needed.

time-read
6 mins  |
November - December 2024
Grain Gains
Women's Health US

Grain Gains

This cozy quinoa salad paired with juicy chicken thighs clocks nearly 50 grams of protein.

time-read
1 min  |
November - December 2024
Healthy Eats, Delivered
Women's Health US

Healthy Eats, Delivered

It might be possible to say soodbye to grocery stores forever. But should you? yee

time-read
4 mins  |
November - December 2024
Shower Power
Women's Health US

Shower Power

How one writer improved her mental health by connecting with her body

time-read
4 mins  |
November - December 2024
Scent Solutions
Women's Health US

Scent Solutions

What was once a taboo subject-body odor-is now a convo more and more people are happily having.

time-read
4 mins  |
November - December 2024