7 Ways Your Friends And Family Keep You Calm

There's a reason why there are so many anthems dedicated to our loved ones (we dare you not to start singing The Beatles' "With a Little Help from My Friends" right now). They're our rocks. But they do more than just make us laugh and offer a shoulder to cry on -- their mere presence can also physically reduce our stress.

Nov. 24, 2014 Huffington Post

Select excerpts from the article follow. Click the link below to read the full post.

Forgive someone. Holding a grudge may seem like the only solution, but research shows it’s better to forgive and forget if you want to improve your well-being. One Hope College study found that those with forgiving thoughts had lower physiological stress responses and better health than others with chronic unforgiving responses.

Hang out with your BFF. We knew there was a reason we kept those goofballs in our lives. According to a 2011 study, being around your best friend during a stressful time can decrease levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) in the body.

Kiss a loved one. Rejoice, love birds! Research shows that kissing affects oxytocin (the feel-good hormone) and cortisol levels. Even just cuddling can reduce stress. Pucker up!

Call your mom. As the saying goes, there’s nothing quite like a mother’s love. And even if you’re thousands of miles away, she can still comfort you. One 2010 study found that just talking to mom on the phone can release oxytocin in the brain and help keep you calm. Furthermore, it produces the same effects as getting a hug from her. Time to pick up that phone.