GFS Perth

We hope that by the time you read this your seasonal ‘to do’ list is just about done and you can begin to kick back a bit. Our final adult play date offering is one we hope will help you and FRIENDS begin to chill. It’s a Christmas Eve box filling session. These boxes are a fairly new addition to the season but a great idea to add a new dimension to the holiday fun. We think simple is best and our content suggestion is all about chillin. Cardboard box (there’s plenty about this time of year) with a couple pamper items, a favourite drink and snack, maybe Christmas PJs, and of course a chocolate - all aimed at encouraging our FRIENDS to slow down and get ready to enjoy the big day to come. HAPPY CHRISTMAS ALL. GFS Perth has been enabling FRIENDSHIP for 140 years. Check our socials or www.gfsperth.com.au #friendshiprevolution

Western cultures place a high premium on romantic love. In fact, relationship woes, or the lack of, are among the top reasons people seek counselling. And while romance can be a meaningful part of life, FRIENDSHIP should really take more of a centre stage. Psychological research suggests that stable, healthy FRIENDSHIPS are crucial for our well-being and longevity. People who have FRIENDS and close confidants are more satisfied with their lives and less likely to suffer from depression. They’re also less likely to die from all causes, including heart problems and a range of chronic diseases. Studies on how relationships affect the body and brain show when people are low in social connection, because of isolation, loneliness, or poor-quality relationships. Fortunately, research also suggests that FRIENDSHIPS can be made and maintained at any age, relationships with friends can strengthen or stand in for romantic relationships, and even minimal social interactions can be powerful. FRIENDSHIPS protect us in part by changing the way we respond to stress. Blood pressure reactivity is lower when people talk to a supportive FRIEND. Participants in studies who have a FRIEND by their side while completing a tough task have less heart rate reactivity than those working alone. Scientists studying FRIENDSHIP have even found similar brain activity among FRIENDS in regions responsible for a range of functions, including motivation, reward, identity, and sensory processing. GFS PERTH has been enabling FRIENDSHIP for 140 years, heck our social or www.gfsperth.com.au. #friendshiprevolution

Christmas can be a time to be nostalgic, to remember, to revisit old traditions, and to do so with FRIENDS deepens relationships as we share. One of my favourite festive memories is the Christmas Song Challenge. It involves getting together with FRIENDS and/or family, and seeing how many first verses of Christmas songs you can sing without the help of a song book or Google search. You will be surprised just how many you can recall between you and the added benefits of a good lung workout (singing is extremely beneficial for health and wellbeing) and lots of laughter make it an event you’ll want to invite FRIENDS to share, and include on your calendar this year, and for many to come. GFS Perth has been enabling FRIENDSHIP for 140 years. Check our socials or www.gfsperth.com.au. #friendshiprevolution