Although Valentine’s Day is now behind us, I’m still riding the ‘love’ train.
They, the people who seem to know something about everything, tell us that there are quite a few benefits to being in a loving relationship.
Apparently, studies show that we live longer if we are in a healthy positive relationship, particularly men. That’s not hard to believe because I know that if I wasn’t in the picture, my spouse would not be very healthy – he would starve to death! It seems to him, the connection between ‘food to fork’ is me
After years of being in a relationship, I have also found that we will probably live longer because we have mellowed out a lot and instead of engaging in spirited ‘debates, discussions, and disagreements,’ we have learnt to go to our own corners to cool off. This way, there usually is no shed blood.
Instead of fighting, why not try laughing at the situation. One of the greatest pleasures of my life is to laugh with the loves of my life…you know, those deep down-to-your-core kind of laughs – the laugh-until-it-hurts kind that seems to make you weak to the knees but actually makes you stronger. Laughter is good like a medicine and draws people together in ways that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes in the body.
It seems that people with strong social supports recover from illness faster – and this includes, family, friends and even pets. Our cats have always been de-stressors through the years. Unfortunately, now that they are gone, the only pet I have is my husband and he’s too big to crawl on my lap for a cuddle.
Sharing in a relationship can be a huge de-stressor, from sharing domestic duties to financial obligations, to just being an emotional support. These can boost our immune system when we lighten and brighten the load, as well as give ourselves an oxytocin boost… the ‘feel-good hormone.’
Authorities on the subject of oxytocin also say that exercise boosts the levels; it seems that working to stay fit seems to be an optimal choice within a relationship – to be ‘fit for life’ rather than ‘fat for life.’ Our hearts will thank us...and extend our years.
To be in a loving relationship makes us feel happy, it helps to lower our blood pressure and we seem to heal quicker and live longer.
And as for me, to make me feel good, a smile and a hug seem to go a long way too. Try it! You might like it!
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
