Lifestyle•Sep 11, 2024

The Importance of Female Friendships

By The Sculpt Society

Nothing fills your cup like a girls’ weekend away, three hour brunch, or even a long phone call with one of your best friends. But your female friends are more than just a fun hang—they’re a vital source of support, empowerment, and connection. Close friends celebrate your big wins with you, help you de-stress with a long walk or a movie night in, and have your back, always. We’ll dive into more relationship benefits, and why these emotional connections are so important and do so much to enrich our lives, below. Not only that, but we’ve got tips on all the big and small ways you can show up for your girl crew.

The benefits of female friendships

Good friendship dynamics are everything—the bond between you and your pals plays a crucial role in enhancing your mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. Here’s why leaning on your friends is so important.

Female friendships offer (unparalleled, in our opinion!) emotional support. You can tell your besties anything—they’re basically your unpaid therapists, and you always return the favor. Confiding in your pals fosters a strong sense of community and belonging. Plus, having those friends who truly get you helps you feel connected, included, and even safer, which is so comforting in times of change or uncertainty.

These friendships provide validation and increase your self-esteem. Your pals are always up for celebrating your achievements, offering the validation and encouragement that gives you that I-got-this boost of confidence.

Meeting up with your friends relieves stress and improves your mental health. Close female friendships have been shown to reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) levels through laughter and long talks. Social connection is a key component of mental health, and having a strong circle of female friends helps ward off anxiety and depression.

Nobody gives good advice like your friends. You’ll often get the best practical advice and guidance from your girl crew. Friends with shared experiences can be your #1 support networks when it comes to everything from relationships, to careers, to personal growth.

Friendship has its (physical health) benefits. Studies show that women with strong female friendships are actually healthier—having good friends has been linked to significant improvements to your physical health, including having lower blood pressure and even a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. Research even suggests that people with strong social connections tend to live longer.

How to cultivate and strengthen female friendships

Women’s solidarity is all about building strong connections and bonding even more deeply with your besties. Read our top tips for making new friends and building more authentic friendships…

Be a joiner. One of the best ways to meet like-minded women is by joining groups—like a book club, rec volleyball team, pottery class, writing group, you name it! Sure, it can feel a little awkward at first, but shared activities like these naturally encourage conversation and bonding. Even a professional networking event can be grounds for starting a friendship.

Don’t be afraid to reach out. Okay, this one takes some effort and initiative, but it’s so worth it. Be that one—there’s one in every friend group—to take the lead when it comes to planning fun outings or trying new social events.

Be vulnerable and authentic. It’s natural that many friendships start out with more surface level connections. But as you spend more time together, don’t shy away from opening up more deeply about your life and experiences. As in a romantic relationship, this is how you’ll build trust and get closer.

Don’t overlook acquaintances. How many great friendships have evolved from “friends of friends” connections? This is your sign to ask a coworker to coffee or invite your mom’s friend’s daughter out for Friday drinks. Hey, it might pay off in a big way with a close connection or another pal to join your squad.

Incorporating wellness and fitness into friendships

Because your BFF should be your best fitness friend…here’s how to add fun, social workouts to your roster of get-togethers.

Schedule a standing workout date. Setting up regular workouts with friends, whether it’s meeting up at the gym or taking a yoga class together, makes it easier to stay consistent and holds you accountable to regular movement. Hot tip: Treat your friends to one free month on The Sculpt Society app!

Catch up on a walk. No shade to grabbing drinks or brunch, but chatting over a long walk or a hike is a great way to catch up while getting your steps in. Head on over to your favorite trail or walking loop.

Join forces for a fitness challenge. It’s fun and motivating to work out with a goal in mind, whether that’s training for a 10k, committing to a month of movement, or joining any of our workout programs.

From offering emotional support and boosting confidence to improving your mental and physical health, female friendships are incredibly important—and essential to navigating life’s challenges. Nurturing these relationships helps you feel safer, happier, and truly connected…so, consider this post your sign to text the group chat.

Sources: