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friends buffer theory

Friends in Need: The Buffer Theory

By friends buffer theory, stress and social support groups No Comments

There are a multitude of coping techniques to successfully deal with stress, but one that tops the list is this: A strong support group made up of quality friends. As the expression goes, “No man (or woman) is an island!” Humans are social animals and we all need social support. As family structures continue to erode with divorce and various forms of relocation, friends serve an ever greater role in helping up cope with stress. Dozens of research studies now confirm what we all know intuitively: Good friends help buffer us from the crushing blows of stress. Sociologists are a bit concerned with the increasing number of virtual friends edging out the number of actual friends and face-to-face social encounters. Not long ago, friends (and neighbors) would bring covered dishes of food over to one’s house as a sign of support for those in need of comfort. Today many people don’t even know their neighbors, yet they have up to 500 friends on Facebook. Without a doubt, friends help us deal with the stress of life.

Stress Tip for the Day:
Show your support to one or more of your friends who are going through a stressful time. Declare this week: Take a friend to lunch week Call them up and talk in real time. Invite them over for dinner. Meet up with them for coffee, tea or a special session of ice cream therapy. Do something more than leaving a six-word sentence on Facebook. Go beyond the virtual. Get real with your friends. And….consider adding someone new to your circle of friends as well. Take time to cultivate your support group. It will prove to be the best investment you will ever make.

Links or Books Worth Noting:
Speaking of friends, a friend sent me this link… and I share it with you.. just for your LOTR fans a good and humorous parody. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yqVD0swvWU

Photo for the Day:
Several members of the 2010 Spirit of Ireland Journey group reunited for a reunion at the 2010 Mountain Retreat in Estes Park last weekend. A special bond was created among all the participants of the Emerald Isle trip, so much so, that they wanted to reunite for an encore visit in Colorado. This photo was taken prior to the concert (performed by Dan Sebranek and Mary Cortesi) who, along with yours truly, sang a set of Irish tunes including Will Ye Go Lassie Go and The Wild Rover( No, Ney Never). For sure, it was a night… and a weekend to remember.

Quote for the Day:
“I have friends in overalls whose friendship I would not swap for the favor of the kings of the world.” —Thomas A. Edison

”A sympathetic friend can be quite as dear as a brother.” —Homer

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.