What are benefits of having friends at work?

When you socialize with coworkers about last night's episode of The Daily Show, it isn't just quick conversation that's good for a laugh. Researchers think it might help save your life. In a study of 1,000 officemates, it seemed that strong social support from peers on the job actually helped boost longevity.

Friends with Benefits

Why are friends -- in or out of the workplace -- so great for our health? It turns out that besides the obvious emotional support, friends may also help us make healthier choices -- like grabbing a side salad instead of french fries and taking a walk after dinner instead of surfing the tube. And of course, friends can help with stress. In fact, many psychologists now think that without a strong base of social support, people are much more vulnerable to the damaging effects of stressful living. 

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