Happy Valentine’s Day! Whether you’re lucky in love or you’re hoping to soon find Mr. Right, many people yearn for a committed and loving relationship. And while there are many reasons why we look for love, you may be surprised to learn that being in love can actually be beneficial for your health. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at five surprising health benefits of love.
The Real-World Health Benefits Of Love
Researchers have conducted numerous studies on love and committed relationships and here’s what the science has to say about being in love:
1. Less Stress – A study out of the University of Chicago found that being in a healthy, committed relationship was associated with reduced cortisol production compared to single individuals. The social and emotional support provided by a partner can play a crucial role in reducing stress or managing it healthy ways.
2. Improved Lifespan – Happy wife, longer life? According to a study out of Michigan State University, married white men and women lived longer than cohabitors.
3. Better Recovery From Surgery – A study published in the “Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that married individuals had a survival rate after heart surgery that was three times higher than single people. “While the most striking difference in outcomes occurred during the first three months, the study showed that the strong protective effect of marriage continues for up to five years following coronary artery bypass surgery. Overall, the hazard of mortality is nearly twice as great for unmarried as it is for married patients about to undergo the surgery,” researchers wrote.
4. Healthier Hearts – Another study that was presented at an American Sociological Association meeting found that women – who are married and who stay married – have fewer risk factors for heart disease, like high blood pressure compared to single women.
5. Boosted Immunity – Finally, one study suggests that some of the benefits of marriage may in turn serve to boost a person’s immune system. Individuals in positive relationships tend to produce more oxytocin and are less susceptible to the effects of cortisol and stress. Too much stress can compromise your immune system, so a healthy relationship can also help ward off seasonal colds and flus!
Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!
~ Dr. Silverman ~