“I need somebody to love,” sang the Beatles, and they got it right. Love and health are intertwined in surprising ways. Humans are wired for connection, and when we cultivate good relationships, the rewards are immense. But we’re not necessarily talking about spine-tingling romance.
“People who fall in love say it feels wonderful and agonizing at the same time.” All those ups and downs can be a source of stress. Says Harry Reis, PhD, co-editor of the Encyclopedia of Human Relationships.
“There is very nice evidence that people who participate in satisfying, long-term relationships fare better on a whole variety of health measures,” Adds Reis.
Most of the research in this area centers on marriage, but Reis believes many of the perks extend to other close relationships — for example, with a partner, parent, or friend. The key is to “feel connected to other people, feel respected and valued by other people, and feel a sense of belonging,” he says.
Recovering alcoholics, addicts, compulsive gamblers, co-dependents, Adult Children of Alcoholics and sex addicts may identify with these facts. They also may have been striving for these benefits in their particular addiction or behaviour.
Additionally, lack of these signs may have been symptomatic of their condition.
Here are 10 research-backed ways that love and health are linked:
- Fewer Doctor’s Visits
- Less Depression & Substance Abuse
- Lower Blood Pressure
- Less Anxiety
- Natural Pain Control
- Better Stress Management
- Fewer Colds and Flu
- Faster Healing
- Longer Life
- Happier Life
Nurture Your Relationships
To foster a loving relationship that yields concrete benefits, Aron offers four tips:
- If you are depressed or anxious, get treatment.
- Brush up on communication skills and learn to handle conflict.
- Do things that are challenging and exciting with your loved one on a regular basis.
- Celebrate each other’s successes.
Although partners often provide support during a crisis, this support is even more beneficial during good times. As the proverb goes;
Shared sorrow is half sorrow; shared joy is double joy.
Full story at; 10 Benefits of Love
- See also
- 10 Secrets of Happy Relationships
- A Problem Shared is a Problem Halved
- Al-Anon May be able to help
- Just for today card
- Sensual Massage
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