Gossip to live longer

According to a recent, US-based study, chatting with a colleague boosts progesterone levels in women, which might make them happier and healthier than women who don't

According to a recent, US-based study, chatting with a colleague boosts progesterone levels in women, which might make them happier and healthier than women who don't

The next time a colleague suggests a catch-up session by the water cooler, we suggest you don't pass on the offer.

A study conducted by the University of Michigan shows that gossiping with a friend increases levels of progesterone, leading to lower anxiety levels.

The study throws light on why people in close relationships tend to lead longer, healthier and happier lives.

"A gossip break has the power to rejuvenate you in a very short span of time," says Dr Varkha Chulani, clinical psychologist.

"Work has a tendency of becoming monotonous and a quick chat can help women bond, prove a superb distraction and cause chemical fluctuations in the brain that can be co-related to emotional contentment," adds Varkha.

Dr Zakia Khan, cardiologist at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, is however wary of the results, insisting that the sample size for the research is too small to base concrete conclusions on.

"Women are wired to emote and emoting is an outlet for anxiety. If anything, the research proves why loneliness can kill," says Dr Khan.

Express Yourself

Account executive with an ad agency, Madhubanti Dutta, says she looks forward to taking short gossip breaks in the middle of a hectic day.
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"I don't believe there's a better form of recreation than bonding with your girlies," says the 22 year-old. "Our jobs can get so intense that you barely have time to breathe.
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All I need to get through a tough day is a quick chat with a colleague to feel better."

Guys Do It Too

Call it a "cigarette break" or a "networking session", but according to Dr Chulani men love gossiping as much as the next girl.

26 year-old Swapnil Kale agrees. "We might mock women, but it's an open secret that men love to gossip too," he says.

"However, with women, it can easily cross over to becoming a b''''ing session. How that can be beneficial for health is beyond my comprehension," adds Swapnil.

What The Study Says

The study by the University of Michigan paired up 160 female students.

One half were instructed to ask each other questions to bring them closer (For example: What has been your greatest accomplishment?), while the other half proofread a botany paper.

When their hormone levels were checked after 20 minutes, the first group had either increased or neutral progesterone levels, while progesterone levels for the other half, actually fell.

While previous studies have proven that higher levels of progesterone increase the desire to bond with others, this is the first study to prove that bonding with others increases levels of progesterone. Progesterone also encourages the desire in a person to help others.