Spending time with your girlfriends, virtually or in person, is essential for us to maintain our emotional equilibrium and sanity, especially as we age and most definitely when dealing with stress. Our friends grant us a safe zone in which we can be our authentic selves. We support each other through our personal and professional challenges.  

When you face difficult challenges at work, an objective ear from someone outside your workplace is a blessing. If you have a trusted girlfriend at work, you can use each other as sounding boards to get through the tough times. Schedule times to get together during work or after hours. Create a personal tribe of allies with whom you can speak without fear of judgement and who will give you their best advice when you need it.

Read the full article on Forbes.com.