Love is good for your brain and mental health
Being in love not only gives you a rosy glow or a twinkle in your eye, but did you know that it is also good for both your physical and mental health?
When you are in love, your brain produces a hormone called dopamine that is associated with feelings of happiness, pleasure, positivity and well-being. Physical touch, such as hugging or kissing, releases a hormone called oxytocin, which lowers our stress hormones. Studies have shown that individuals releasing these hormones have stronger immune systems, so they can fight off illnesses like a cold or the flu more easily, have lower blood pressure, and decreased stress and depression.
Love Proven Research
Doctors at the University of North Carolina have found that hugging may dramatically lower blood pressure and boost blood levels of oxytocin.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that women in good marriages have a much lower risk of cardiovascular disease that those in high-stress relationships.
The National Longitudinal Mortality Study, which has been tracking more than a million subjects since 1979, shows that married people live longer. Plus, they have fewer heart attacks and lower cancer rates, and even get pneumonia less frequently than singles.
When you are in love, you take better care of yourself
When you have a loving partner who encourages you to stay healthy, you won’t disregard a health concern and say it’s not serious. Partners look out for each other’s well-being and will push towards going to the doctor and getting the necessary health screenings. Having someone to love creates a purpose for them to stay healthy and be around for the other person.
Stress less with love
We all have stress in our lives, and we all know stress can affect our health and emotional state. Studies suggest that when someone feels secure in a relationship and has the support from another person, stress is reduced. Being around someone with positive energy and love can actually lower levels of cortisol and adrenaline and have quite a calming effect.
It’s important to remember that loving relationships take work and perseverance. You also need to focus on self-love in order to have a healthy, committed relationship with someone else. Clinicians in our Counseling & Wellness Centers can help you in all areas of interpersonal relationships.
Call our main number at 844-4-ACENDA (844-422-3632) for more information.
Sources
Prevention.com
Time.com
Wellness News