Girlfriends: Good For Your Health

I follow Self magazine on Twitter, and let me tell you... they produce some great articles for women!  

The articles totally make up for the fact that I will never, ever look like one of their cover girls in a swim suit.

But, I digress.  This article talks about the fact that our girlfriends really are good for our health!  And no, not just because of the high consumption of fruit juice (aka wine) we consume when we're all together.

The article says women with best friends...

*live longer!

The American Journal of Health and Behavior did a study that showed socializing with our gals can help you quit smoking, work out, and eat right.  And we all know that leads to a long and fruitful life!

*are more likely to bust out of health ruts!

Did you know women who work out with a best friend are 45% more like to exercise than those who hit the treadmill alone?  Good to know!

*are happier!

And it's not just because we're tipsy!  (I kid... maybe.)  Dr. Carstensen is the director of the Stanford Center on Longevity in California.  She says this great quote, which I think is so true:

"Pruning superficial friendships is part of the process of figuring out who you are and who you want to be around.  I compare it to putting all of your friends in a centrifuge.  It whirls around, and the most casual friends gets splattered against the wall.  The ones left standing are likely to be there for life."

There are a few other reasons gal pals are good for our health listed in the article, which you can read here.

Personally, I have a very tight knit group of girls I love and depend on.  And, each one of them brings something different to my life.  They keep me well-rounded, grounded, lend their shoulders to cry on and are always on my team.  They pray for me, laugh with me, and yes... occasionally drink with me.  :)

Do you agree?  Do your girlfriends make you a healthier person?