Sisterhood is Medicine

It’s true.

While romantic love is touted as the brass ring, research shows platonic friendship — especially among women — boosts mental and physical health as we age. It seems the bigger the network of friendships women have, the less likely they are to develop health problems and the more likely they are to be leading a joyful life.

The ‘happiness’ hormone, oxytocin, is key to this sisterhood medicine. It’s released as part of women’s stress response and spurs them to connect with others.

“When women engage in tending or befriending, studies suggest that more oxytocin is released, which further counters stress and produces a calming effect. This calming response does not occur in men, says because testosterone---which men produce in high levels when they're under stress---seems to reduce the effects of oxytocin.”

~Dr. Klein of UCLA’s Biobehavioral Health Dept

Hmm, perhaps a little compassion is in order for the testosterone-dominante in our society? Or not.

In our neighborhood, this sisterhood is in fine form every Wednesday night when the ‘Gillis Girls’ gather to converse, drink a little, listen to music, and for those who stay longer, watch Dancing with the Stars. The one rule is that as things break up, you must dance your way out. So fun and healthful to boot!