[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ2L4iPvdIk]
Last week, I posted a piece about the importance of friendships and social support to our lives. Researchers agree that during the menopausal transition, the ability to nurture and nourish ties, coupled with overall satisfaction with that work, significantly predicts well-being.
A subset of 334 women from the Seattle Midlife Women’s Health Study were evaluated over a period of 8 years to determine the association between factors such as frequency and severity of hot flashes, hormone levels, number of negative life events and resources pertaining to mastery over and satisfaction with social support and overall well-being.
Study findings showed that for the majority, the menopause transition itself was not a predictor of well-being. Rather, when considered within a broader life context, one primary factor stood out – personal resources as they pertain to social support.
Undoubtedly, menopause can wreak havoc on our lifestyles, the way that we feel about ourselves and at times, the ability or inability to cope. ‘Tending and befriending,’ nurturing our personal relationships, communicating to one another when we need help, finding a shoulder to cry on or simply offering a hug not only reaffirms who we are but can also provide an essential foundation to see us through.
One of my favorite Aristotle quotes is this one:
What is a friend? A single soul in two bodies.
Cherish your soul today. Call or email a friend. Reach out to a family member you’ve not spoken to in awhile. Say hello to that neighbor you’ve been meaning to talk to but never find the time to. Mostly, take the time to well, take the time. You’ll be glad you did.
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Nice article. I will forward this to my wife. I don’t see a link to forward this but there is a trick a friend of mine showed me.
Alt + F then E. Think of it as Alt(ernative) F(orward) E(mail)
It automatically opens your email program with a link to the page you are on. Since this article is about the value of friends if any of you have friends who would find this valuable I recommend forwarding it.
Yes it is a nice article.
He did forward it to me.
Poor baby, he has been captive to my sudden passionate demands to turn on the air conditioner, delivered by me as though my life depended on it.
Forced to dance with ne, bewildered with all my exasperations, confused by my moods.
Just that he found the article and sent it was quite sweet.
Don’t forget….
It’s OK to be confused…
Confusion is always the most honest response.
– Marty Indik