Energy Boost Tip #1
 

FRIENDSHIP RE-ENERGIZES WOMEN 

Since the beginning of time, women have had strong ties with other women. We know if we call our friends during times of hardships we'll feel better by the time we hang up. We long for "girl's day out" to visit with our friends and get re-energized. The problem is our lives are so hectic we oftentimes put friendships on the back burner. However, doing so actually harms our health. 

In 2002, two female scientists conducting research at UCLA discovered an amazing health connection between friendship and women. Laura Cousin Klein, Ph.D., now an Assistant Professor of Biobehavioral Health at Penn State University, and fellow researcher Shelley Taylor, were able to show how oxytocin (a powerful brain chemical) affects women during stress.  

Both men and women produce oxytocin when under stress. However, Drs. Klein and Taylor's research showed that estrogen enhances the affects of oxytocin, whereas testosterone decreases the affects. This could explain why men tend to respond to stress with a 'flight or fight' response, while women react with a 'tend and befriend' response.  

Drs. Klein and Taylor's study found that when women are faced with chronic illness or death of their spouse, those who have no friends increase their risk of death over a six month period. Women who have many friends decrease their risk of death by 60 percent. It is believed oxytocin plays a critical role, but more research is needed to determine exactly how this brain chemical works.  

The landmark study turned five decades of stress research -- most of it on men -- upside down. It's a fascinating read and provides strong evidence that friends help us live.  

The 64-page study, Biobehavorial Responses to Stress is available for download at http://www.findem.com.au/resources/tendandbefriend.pdf.  

A synopsis of the study which outlines the health benefits of friendships is available at: http://www.womeninbalance.org/pdf/Friendship.pdf* 

Dr. Jay Goldstein, a physician working with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia patients, believes low oxycotin levels play a significant role in the disorders. Unfortunately, there is no standard test to check for low levels of oxycotin at this time. The best recourse -- spend more time with your friends to produce oxycotin naturally. 

If you're like most women, the last thing you want to do is spend time with your friends when you're exhausted. However, it could the best thing you could do for yourself. If you're too tired for friends, family and favorite activities this is a huge RED flag that you are physically or emotionally off balance.

One more thing ... don't forget you are your own best friend.  Take good care of your body, mind and spirit. Need a little help from a friend - me? Take a moment and take the "Tired Mom Quiz" and see if it doesn't give you a couple good ideas of what you can do (or not do) to help yourself feel better today.

If this fatigue lasts more than a week or two, I'd like to recommend something that can help you get your life back -- Fatigue Be Gone! Jumpstart e-Guide.