Reach Out and Touch Someone

Have you been meaning to schedule a movie night with the girls, or call up your college roommate, or take your favorite aunt out, but haven't made the time? Well, consider this: Researchers have shown that women who maintain close ties with other women enjoy such health benefits as lower blood pressure, increased immunity, and even longer life expectancy. Get in the habit of catching up with all the women friends in your life at least once a week. Even a simple phone call will do the trick — haven't you ever had a blah day, only to get a call from a girlfriend that cheered you up? Be that person to at least one of your close girlfriends or female family members today — both of you will reap the benefits!

It's important to remember that there's more to relationships than just remembering birthdays; they require you to invest in the people you care about. Even if it means taking 15 minutes out of your free time or lunch break to do so, reaching out to the women friends in your life makes a world of difference to them and you. If you really want to ramp up your girl time, try mixing the old with the new; invite the new woman in your office to have a drink with you and your friends, or make a point to learn more about your colleagues. Who knows? You could end up creating friends for life!