Most men would argue that kicking back with the lads to watch a match or down pints at the pub is a necessity in terms of their mental health.
Unfortunately they’ve never had the science to back it up… until now.
The latest studies suggests that time spent with the lads is actually much more beneficial as a stress reliever than relaxing with a partner or family.
Researchers at the University of Gottingen, Germany studied Barbary Macaques, well known for their human-like behaviour, and found that they were less stressed when surrounded by their pack than they were when with their families.
Apparently, bonding in all-male groups had a bigger impact on anxiety. The only monkeys to suffer stress-related illnesses were females and those in couples.
Christopher Young of the university’s Primate Social Evolution Group told The Telegraph:
“Male macaques form social bonds similar to human friendships that buffer them against day-to-day stressors.”
