Sister Circle: Five Types of Girlfriends and How They Affect Your Health

Hi Ladies, how are you? The world celebrated International Women’s Day this week. At She Chose Wellness, we celebrate women every day. Have you celebrated yourself and the women around you lately? I truly hope that you take the time to celebrate your accomplishments; your ability to overcome; and your ability to evolve.

When you think of the woman you are today, what do you think influenced you the most? There is no right or wrong answer to this question. For some, it will be life experiences. Others believe genetics is what determines who you are. I believe all of those factors and so many more make you the woman you are today. One of the most important factors that contribute to the woman you’ve become, is the women you surround yourself with.

I have been blessed my entire life to be surrounded by God-fearing, bold, creative, determined, and beautiful women. What has been your experience? Do you think these women influenced your thoughts, your behaviors, or your health?

If you have never thought about how your girlfriends can affect your health, let me show you a few ways they do. We are going to break down how each of your sister-friendsaffects your health by their personality.

Five Types of Girlfriends and How They Affect Your Health:

The Motivator/Go-Getter: We all have that friend who can do anything. She makes you believe you can do anything too. Those positive vibes and positive thinking can help reduce stress;improve cardiovascular health; decrease rates of depression; and increase lifespan.

The Strong Friend: She is independent, determined, and compassionate. When you are in trouble or hit a roadblock, you know you can call her and she will help you find a solution. Having this support can have a positive impact on your health. The support your strong friend gives can help decrease your blood pressure; reduce stress; and anxiety. It’s great to have a strong friend. Just remember your strong friend needs support too.

The Anxious Friend: Do you have that friend who lives in fear and is always anxious? You love this friend, but sometimes their fears can become yours. Do you internalize their anxiety? Anxiety can cause chest pain, palpitations, increased blood pressure, headaches, fatigue, and depression. It is ok to share this friendship; however, I encourage you to find ways to set boundaries and don’t internalize their feelings. Recommending that this friend seek therapy is always a good option.

The Confident Friend: She is the friend that commands the room when she walks in. She is beautiful, smart, and can make a T-shirt and yoga pants look good. Being around her is fun and exciting. Having a confident friend can inspire you to take better care of yourself; become more active, and boost your self-esteem.

The Motherly Friend: What would we do without our “motherly” friend? She is overprotective, caring, warm, and makes you feel safe. When it’s too late to text your mother you made it home safely, you text her. When you need a soft listening ear and you need to be heard, she is who you call. Having this type of friend is great for your health. She encourages you to make holistic choices; seek therapy; take your vitamins; eat healthy; and help decrease stress levels.

At some point in my life, I have been a motivating, confident, anxious, strong, and motherly friend. And at other times, I needed to depend on one or more of these types of women. As women, I believe we are molded and influenced by the women we surround ourselves with. Knowing how friendships can affect your mental and physical health, we have to be conscious and intentional in whom we call our friends, and determine the boundaries we set for the friendship.

So as we celebrate women this month and every day, I encourage you to value, encourage, challenge, and celebrate your friends. Create a sister circle and remember that in a lifetime, a friendship comes full circle and affects your overall health. In life, friendship, and all you do remember to always make wellness your best accessory!

Your Sister in Wellness,

Lauren