Did you know that August 1 is National Girlfriends Day, or that August is National Girlfriends Month? Yep, it’s true! This is the month we focus on what it means to share connections with other women. Why is that so important? Because our health, happiness, and our longevity as women depend on it!
When was the last time you planned a girlfriend meetup and actually spent time laughing, sharing, and feeling connected? How long has it been since you sent a card, letter, or even a little gift in the mail to your gal pal just because you wanted her to feel special and loved?
Despite the myriad methods technology provides us today, research studies are finding we are feeling more alone and disconnected than ever! So what is going on with this? Most likely, the reasons are multifaceted, but one of the danger zones seems to be created when we allow social media to replace real-life connections in real time.
The Downside of Social Media
Social media is a wonderful way to enhance our connections, but we must be cautious not to allow them to become the only way we connect with people. Talking on the phone, Skyping or Facetiming provide important elements of communication, but we still get the most benefit from being in touch face to face! The physical and emotional health benefits from in-person meet ups cannot be matched.
The chemical releases from talking together, hugging, and touching help improve our moods and decrease cortisol levels, helping lower our stress levels and ultimately protect our coronary arteries. Research at Brigham Young University in 2010 found that feeling disconnected is twice as dangerous as obesity. They also concluded that having supportive and connected friendships improves our odds of survival by 50 percent.
So this August, how will you choose to spend time with your girlfriends? Will you grab your calendars and deliberately plan some lunch or dinner meet ups with your tribe? Can you make a commitment to improving your health by increasing your face-to-face time with your besties? What does the research tell us you gain from your efforts? Clearly, a happier, healthier, and most importantly, LONGER LIFE! Who doesn’t want to sign up for that?
How I celebrated National Girlfriends Day
I celebrated National Girlfriends Day on August 1, by appearing on Houston’s Great Day Houston show with host Deborah Duncan to share the message of my new book,“The Healing Power of Girlfriends,” followed by a sunset cruise with more than thirty ladies on the FantaSea yacht charter on Galveston Bay, followed by dinner at the Kemah Boardwalk. I will be spending the month of August planning and sharing special in-person times with my tribe! My life depends on it, and so does yours!
Did you miss Great Day Houston with Deborah Duncan on CBS-KHOU TV? Here’s the link: https://www.khou.com/video/entertainment/television/programs/great-day-houston/the-healing-power-of-girlfriends/285-43968d16-b6c5-4c79-96d0-8ca23ee2f21a?jwsource=em
