Why I Need a Main and You Do Too

#mymain
-Modernized language from "main squeeze:" derived from the main person you confide in. AKA- your best friend.

You've seen it. You've felt it. You've experienced it your whole life. We've made best friends all the way from the sand box to the tiki bar. Thankfully today, we have social media to send tribute to exactly who they are with the perfect filter and the perfect caption. #mymain

Obviously our friendships have evolved throughout our walks from sand pit to mosh pit, but as we face this little thing called life- our friendships evolve into something so significant, so powerful, so medicinal. There are three types of friends in this world. Those who madly depend on everyone for everything, those who think they are almighty and can do everything super solo, and then there are those who are a bit of almighty with a mix of mad. That's what we need to strive to be and this is why.

I've got one word for you. Cortisol.

Basically, your brain has this thing called the hypothalamus and it secretes this annoying little fly called CRH (Corticotropin Releasing  Hormone.) Now, what CRH does is stimulate the anterior pituitary of the brain to release corticotropin- which upregulates cortisol production. Now we are getting somewhere.

Cortisol. The ass hole of the head. Literally and figuratively.
Cortisol, released as a response to stress and low sugar levels has a job to increase blood sugar, suppress the immune system and aid metabolism of fat, protein, and carbs. Also, an abundance of cortisol can slowly dampen the ability of your hippocampus to encode and recall memories.
Long story short, it sends your body on an out of shape marathon sprint and before you know it you need a beer and a protein bar quicker than a shin splint.

So how can we keep from getting too stressed, becoming too weak, sending all memories to the side while eating too many protein bars? Oh, and how can we be happier? Pay close attention.

A study conducted by James Coan, PhD, assistant professor of psychology at The University of Virginia, shows a resulting decrease in stress related activity in the hypothalamus when someone clasps the hand of someone they like.

Another study from the University of North Carolina shows that those who receive frequent hugs present much higher levels of oxytocin- also known as the bonding hormone. This thing makes you feel really secure and trusted.

According to research done at Loma Linda University, the act of anticipating laughter dramatically reduces your cortisol levels by nearly 40%.

Nonetheless, this isn't such a new phenomenon. 2,000 years ago our ancestors wrote:
"A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple braided cord is not easily broken."
Ecclesiastes 4:12

SO I think it's safe to say we need each other. YES. Swallow it gently. We NEED each other. Science, history, and your heart say so.

Go find your main. Hold hands. Laugh together. Give a hug. Send tribute. #mymain
Life is easier, funnier, and warmer this way.
Now go love on someone.