Best news we've heard all week... or ever, really.

There's nothing better than taking some time off to be with your mates. Whether it's a weekend at home, or you plan a little trip to a European city, nothing quite compares to having some alone time with the girls. And now it turns out that heading away with your friends is good for your health. A study has shown that spending time with your girls can extend your life expectancy, lower chances of heart disease and even make you more tolerant to pain. Scientists at Harvard University looked at 309,000 people and found that a lack of strong social ties increased the chances of premature death by a massive 50 per cent. Mental, right? Psychologist William Chopik from Michigan State University, who also played a role in the study said: "Keeping a few really good friends around can make a world of difference for our health and well-being. "So, it's smart to invest in the friendships that make you happiest." Right, drive over to your mates' house. Pull out a map, pick a place and get booking. You'll never regret a girls trip.