Surprising Health Benefits of Being In A Relationship
If you are fortunate enough to be part of a relationship, especially one which you could describe in terms such as ‘long-term’ or ‘committed,’ you probably spend more of your time smiling than frowning. Whether you met in a bar, on a blind date, or through a singles site, a partnership brings contentment and stability. But it might surprise you to learn there are proven, medical reasons why being in a relationship can be beneficial for your health. Here are some of the reasons why. Also, why is love can be this important and powerful.
Positive mental health
One of the most surprising benefits of being in a relationship is what it can do for your mental outlook. This is not to say being ‘an item’ will make you any less prone to issues such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar. But conditions like these can often be very insular, so having someone to share your problems can be a great help.
Stress levels
Stress is often exacerbated when we are alone; brooding on worrying situations, stoking the sense of trauma we are feeling. Being in a relationship brings natural rewards. The knowledge there is someone there, fighting our corner, offering advice, ready to give unconditional support, is a terrific counter to stressful feelings. For individuals who are single, seeking a partner can be a particularly potent source of stress. When their mission is accomplished, this will diminish.
Cardiovascular issues
A lot of medical research has been undertaken to determine the connection between certain health issues and relationship status. One surprising area where those who were involved with someone else fared much better was in cardiovascular health. It seems no coincidence that love is associated with the heart because people committed to someone else have a lower incidence of heart disease or high blood pressure.
Less ‘niggles’
Equally surprisingly, studies revealed singles were more liable to complain of niggling pains, such as backaches. Perhaps there is a connection with mental positivity, as moaning about aches and pains is often symptomatic with having deeper grievances. So it would follow, those who are otherwise content with their lives will have less reason to complain about pulled muscles or awkward strains.
Less prone to cold
People who are more stressed out about their lives will also be more prone to colds. This isn’t good news for singles. Another reason they might find themselves picking up regular infections is that singletons are more likely to be venturing into singles bars or nightclubs or other social settings as they attempt to get acquainted with potential partners. Spending a lot of time in the company of strangers will have a detrimental effect on anyone’s health if they are prone to contracting colds.
Quicker recovery rates
Having someone there to look after you when you are recovering from a health issue can be a major factor in cutting down the time it takes to get back on your feet. The physical restoration is one thing, but the mental side of things is just as crucial. The psychological impact of returning from a hospital after an operation, but going back to an empty house, can be considerable. Knowing there will be someone there to look after you will be so much more encouraging.
Longer lifespan
Perhaps the most surprising fact of all is another statistic ingathered during medical studies. People who were in a relationship were found to enjoy longer-lasting lives than singletons. Again, much of this can surely be put down to relatively simple reasons. Happiness. Contentment. Having someone to share problems with. And the final ingredient of this elixir? The surge of life-affirming hormones released during moments of passion and intimacy