A study performed at the University of California in Los Angeles revealed that women have a larger behavioral repertoire than men when faced with stress.

The hormone ‘oxytocin’ is released as part of the stress response in a woman, which in turn buffers the ‘flight or flight’ response and encourages her to tend to her children or gather with other women instead. When a woman is engaging in the care of her children, or befriending..the study suggests that more oxytocin is released, which counters the stress and actually produces a calming effect.

This calming effect is only seen in women and not men, because men have a hormone called ‘testosterone’ which is produced in high levels when men are stressed. The testosterone will reduce the effects of oxytocin. Estrogen seems to enhance it instead.

Every time we get overly busy or overworked, the first thing we do is let go of friendships with other women. This is a mistake because the bonding and friendship with other women will actually enhance and strengthen each other in stressful times and situations.

So…next time you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed with work or family–reach out to your girlfriend, a simple phone call will help to calm you and make your day a better one.