Five health benefits of being in love

Sharing your life with a long term partner can have its ups and its downs, but did you know that being in love can have a positive impact on your health?

Love and your mental health

Your mental health plays an important role in your life and studies have shown that social isolation can cause higher rates of depression and anxiety, it has been advised that spending time with others can reduce your risk of these disorders. Research has also shown that those who get married and are more satisfied with their relationships, showed lower levels of depression, anxiety and self-consciousness. This suggests that having a supportive relationship could help us overcome common mental health problems.

Love and your physical health

Being in love can have a range of effects on our physical health. At the start of a relationship, you might find that you have an elevated heart rate, butterflies in your stomach, sweaty palms or even dilated pupils. Sexual activity can also be included as part of your recommended daily physical activity which can help lower your blood pressure, decrease stress levels and boost your immune system.

Fix a stressful situation with a hug

We all have been in a stressful situation at some point in on our lives, but what if there was a quick fix to help reduce your stress levels? According to research conducted by the University of North Carolina, when you embrace someone that you love with a hug, your body releases oxytocin, which is the feel-good chemical associated with reducing stress and lowering blood pressure. Next time you’re feeling a little stressed out, give a loved one a hug.

Calm your nerves by holding hands

According to a study published in Psychological Science holding hands with your loved one can have a calming effect on your body. The study found that holding the hand of your spouse in a stressful situation can help provide comfort and reduce brain activity associated with anticipating pain. High stress and anxiety levels are linked with having high blood pressure, an increased heart rate and further factors which can contribute to heart diseases.

Have a healthy heart

This could be the deciding factor in encouraging your loved one to pop the question! Married people half their risk of dying from heart diseases than those who are unmarried or divorced. Being in love can reduce our stress response and blood pressure, which can reduce your risk of developing heart diseases. A 2015 study also showed that married people have a 14% lower risk of dying in hospital after a heart attack and they also had shorter hospital stays by an average of two days.

Not in love?

Don’t worry if you don’t have a significant other in your life just yet, these benefits still apply to those who have a strong social support system through their family and friends. Positive and close relationships can give a wide range of benefits and can help improve your health and wellness.