Lower Stress with the Help of a Friend

We often think of “fight or flight” as the common response to stress. But, according to a University of Illinois study, many women also use a strategy that researchers call “tend and befriend.” That is, they are likely to turn to a caring female friend to talk about a problem, which successfully lowers their cortisol levels— and as a result, their stress. While this strategy is associated more with women, it can help men as well. In fact, studies from the University of California, Berkeley, and a group of international researchers suggest that male animals that form strong social bonds increase levels of oxytocin— sometimes called

“the cuddle hormone” because it’s released in the brain when we connect emotionally. So the next time you feel stressed, call a friend. It might help you feel better, short-term and long.