It’s common knowledge that there’s nothing better than rounding up your BFFs and jumping on a plane to a far flung destination. But now there’s actual research from a psychologist, Dr William Chopik, to suggest there’s genuine evidence that prove a girls’ holiday makes you happier. So what’s stopping you?
Whether it’s a long weekend in the Amalfi coast or a road trip around the US, there’s a lot to be said for a girls’ holidays. According to new research, published by social-personality psychologist Dr Chopik in Personal Relationships, they’re imperative for improving our happiness and having a positive impact on our health.
He says, unlike other relationships in our lives that may come with certain pressures attached, friendships “are a way to derive all the benefits of being in a relationship with someone without the enormity of it.”
“Friendships are really important for people’s happiness,” Dr Chopik told well+good. “These are relationships of choice. You choose to hang out together because you enjoy each other’s company.”
So what makes the girls’ holiday aspect so important? Having IRL, face-to-face time with your BFFs creates emotional connections, and encourages proper engagement. “You can sit down, look them in the eye, have a true back-and-forth, and read each other’s body language. They can see you and your facial expressions. You’re emotionally responding to things, and you can pick up on their emotions. You don’t always get that through a phone call.”
A 2019 study by Harvard University found something similar, suggesting “social connections like these not only give pleasure, they also influence our long-term health in ways every bit as powerful as adequate sleep, a good diet and not smoking”.
