Happy Valentine’s Day!  I’m so glad you’re here.

We often correlate Valentine’s Day with romantic love but I want to celebrate the importance of friendship in a world dealing with a loneliness epidemic.

A reel on Instagram with Simon Sinek stopped me when he asked, “Do you have 8 minutes for a friend?”  He went on to say if you’re struggling or in need an 8-minute conversation with a friend will help you to feel better.  A friend holding space for you is a tremendous gift not only for you but for them too.

Our friendships have a profound effect on our overall health.  Close relationships more than money or fame are what keep people happy throughout their lives.

As a midlife woman, you’re often pulled in so many directions that it can be easy to neglect friendships.  As I teach in the Midlife Blueprint stress reduction is foundational to overcoming the symptoms of menopause.  

When you spend time with friends you release oxytocin known as the bonding hormone.  It has a positive downstream effect on cortisol which we know as the stress hormone.

One of my favorite activities is a walk and talk.  You can do this in person with friends or you can talk on the phone and walk.

I love to habit stack so walking in an exercise that isn’t stressful and talking to a friend releases the feel-good hormones.  It’s a win-win.

I am so very blessed to have an incredible group of girlfriends who have seen me through the darkest moments and the highest highs of my life.  I’m not sure where I’d be without them.

Sending you love and hoping you’ll go call a friend and make their day!  Better yet, invite them for a walk and catch up.