Tend and Befriend
Last Sunday, the ladies of Wise Womxn Walking Club laced up our shoes and hit a new trail — the Gateway State Trail — and it did not disappoint. Wide open path, beautiful scenery, and the kind of easy, unhurried pace that makes room for real conversation. We'll definitely be back.
And here's something we've noticed: we have not had a single walk yet where we didn't welcome someone new to the group. This past Sunday was no different — three new faces joined us on the trail. Three more women who said yes to showing up, to stepping outside, and to finding their people. We love that for all of us.
It turns out, that pull you feel toward gathering with other women? It's not just a nice idea — it's biology.
Researchers at UCLA coined the term "tend and befriend" to describe how women uniquely respond to stress: rather than fighting or fleeing, we instinctively seek connection with other women. When we do, our bodies release oxytocin — the bonding hormone — which lowers cortisol, reduces anxiety, and actually produces a calming effect. And because estrogen enhances oxytocin's impact (while testosterone diminishes it), this response is especially powerful for us.
The research backs it up: studies consistently show that women with strong social networks experience reduced anxiety, stronger immune function, lower blood pressure, and even longer lives. A 2023 review published in Frontiers in Psychology found that high levels of social integration are protective against depression, loneliness, and reduced psychological wellbeing. A separate study published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B found that women in particular see outsized physical and mental health benefits from having a network of close, trusting connections.
In other words, when women gather in person, something genuinely healing happens.
That's what the Wise Womxn Walking Club is here for — not just the steps, but the belonging. 🤍
Join Us Next Time!
Sunday, July 12th @ 12:30 PM
Brown's Creek Park — 8312 Neal Avenue N.
We're exploring a new section of the Gateway State Trail, and this one comes highly recommended by walking club member Vanessa (thank you, Vanessa!). Hope to see you all there!