We should celebrate love everyday.
The health benefits of love are many.
“There’s no evidence that the intense, passionate stage of a new romance is beneficial to health,” says Harry Reis, PhD, co-editor of the Encyclopedia of Human Relationships. “People who fall in love say it feels wonderful and agonizing at the same time, ” Reis adds.
This roller coaster of emotions may even cause stress.
To really get the health benefits of love, you must have more stable, experienced forms of love in your life. “There is very nice evidence that people who participate in satisfying, long-term relationships fare better on a whole variety of health measures,” said Reis.
Though most of the research done on this subject focuses on marriage, Reis believes that loves benefits also affect other close relationships, such as a friend, partner or family members. The important thing is to “feel connected to other people, feel respected and valued by other people, and feel a sense of belonging,” states Reis.
With all this in mind, let’s look at the health benefits of love.
Keeps the doctor away:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reviewed a collection of studies on marriage and how it can benefit health. The report showed a significantly less number of doctor’s visits and shorter hospital stays in married couples. “Nobody quite knows why loving relationships are good for health,” said Reis. “The best logic for this is that human beings have been crafted by evolution to live in closely knit social groups. When that is not happening, the biological systems … get overwhelmed.” A theory is that those in loving relationships take better care of their health and also take care of each other.
Fitness benefits:
Couples who exercise together may have more success when it comes to fitness than those who work out by themselves. “Nearly half of people who exercise alone quit their programs after one year, but two-thirds of those who work out with a loved one stick to it,” said certified fitness trainer and nutritionist Jay Cardiello. Men and women work up to 15 percent harder when training with a romantic partner, Woman’s Day reports.
Heart health:
People who have love in their lives or are in committed relationships have less stress, and this may contribute to heart health. People who are not in a stable relationship have an increased risk of heart attack, says Joseph Hullett, MD, psychiatrist and senior medical director for OptumHealth, Behavioral Solutions.
Increases longevity:
Love may help increase lifespan. According to a 2004 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mortality rates were shown to be the lowest in married couples. The decrease in mortality rates may be in part to less stress, which can benefit health.
Less risk of depression and substance abuse:
A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) report showed that a long-term marriage may reduce depression in men and women. The report also showed a significant decrease in heavy drinking and drug abuse, especially in young adults.
Lowers blood pressure:
Love may be good for blood pressure. According to a study in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine, happily married people had the healthiest blood pressure, while unhappily married people had the worst. “It’s marital quality and not the fact of marriage that makes a difference,” said Reis.
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REFERENCES:
1. Rauh, Sherry. “10 Surprising Health Benefits of Love.” MedicineNet. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2014.
2. Greene, Amanda. “8 Surprising Health Benefits of Love.” Woman’s Day. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2014.
3. “The Effects of Marriage on Health: A Synthesis of Recent Research Evidence.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2014.
4. Schoenborn, Charlotte A., MPH. “Marital Status and Health: United States, 1999-2002.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d. Web. 3 Feb. 2014.
5. Hitti, Miranda. “Happy Marriage, Better Blood Pressure“. WebMD, n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2014.
