The lifelong benefits of falling in love
It was only in the last century that scientists began to discover the direct effects mental well-being can have on our health. But thanks to Freud and many other pioneers in the study of psychology, we now know just how closely connected physical and mental health can be. It has been proved that those who are happy live longer lives and are less prone to developing chronic diseases. But what is it the makes us happy – and therefore healthy – in the first place?
Love is often the answer given to this question. A series of studies have proved that loving relationships and a close network of friends can have as good an effect on our health as giving up smoking, taking medication or losing weight. Those who are married are generally happier than those who are unmarried, living longer and having fewer appointments with the doctor. So, whether you meet your partner through eHarmony dating or through friends, your relationship could keep you both happy and healthy.
But why is this? Why is love so beneficial to our general health and well-being? Here are a few factors…
Emotional support
Life is full of anxieties, and we continually have challenges to face and problems to solve. Having a stable, long-term partner means we have someone to tackle all of these challenges with. They will give us emotional support and honest advice on everything we go through. This significantly reduces levels of stress and leads to better health. Studies have proved that those in happy marriages have lower blood pressure.
Calming hormones
Being in love triggers the release of a number of neurotransmitters. Oxytocin is released in the later stages of love, reducing anxiety and improving our ability to handle pain. Dopamine is released throughout the relationship, causing feelings of elation and calm, and similarly reducing stress. In a study in 2011, levels of dopamine were found in new couples and those who had been married for 20 years. However, the new couples also had high levels of stress accompanying the neurotransmitter, as the falling-in-love stage can lead you to experience anxiety, obsession and tension. So while long-term commitment can reduce stress, being newly in love can have the opposite effect!
Taking care of each other
Having a partner is good for your health in a more practical way. You have someone to impress, someone to keep healthy for and someone who will nag you into taking care of yourself. For this reason, those in relationships are more likely to exercise and less likely to indulge in unhealthy behaviours.
Giving us a purpose
Romantic relationships give us a good motivation to keep going. They provide us with a feeling of meaning and purpose in our lives. This means we are inclined to take better care of ourselves and avoid dangerous or high-risk activities. No matter if you meet your special someone on black dating websites or at work, fall happily in love and you will reap the benefits for the rest of your life!
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