Psychologists and sociologists have long-since known that having a close relationship improves one's health and happiness, hoewever the biological factors that influence these health effects has been obscure. Research is starting to uncover how relationships can provide protective health benefits ranging from stress reduction, pregnancy, cancer, and chronic disease.
Here is a list of 7 ways your relationship affects your health:
1. Weight gain/loss: Couples tend to mimic each other's behaviors so adopting healthy goals together is key.
2. Stress levels: Research has shown a direct connection between our cortisol levels (stress hormone) and the state of our primary relationship. Disputes and dissatisfaction can send stress levels soaring. The good news? Regular physical intimacy appears to reduce stress and boost well-being.
3. Anxiety: Marriage may help protect against anxiety. In a 2010 World Health Organization study of 35,000 people in 15 countries, those who were married-happily or otherwise (the study didn't specify)-were less likely to develop anxiety and other mental disorders.
4. Feel-good hormones: Hug your way to happiness? It's not as crazy as it sounds. Researchers found that both men and women had higher blood levels of oxytocin, a hormone believed to ease stress and improve mood-after hugging. The women also had lower blood pressure post-hug, and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
5. Sleep problems: People were more likely to experience daytime fatigue and fitful sleep themselves if their partner was struggling with insomnia. But sleeping next to someone you love and trust can help you fully relax and embrace sleep.
6. Depression: The state of your relationship can affect the risk of clinical depression however studies have found that long-term relationships and marriage, can ease symptoms in people with a history of depression.
7. Alcohol use: Our romantic partners have a noticeable impact on how much alcohol we consume, and how often.
So take care of the health of your relationship to help enhance your own personal physical, mental and emotional health.
Want more information on enhancing your health through stress reduction? Ask Dr. Heidi about the benefits of using NET (Nuero-Emotional Technique) to address physical and behavioral stress-related conditions.