Relationships play an important role in our everyday lives not only for the social and psychological effect that they have but also because of their benefits to our health. A good relationship based on care, trust, and equality can indeed improve our health and feelings. Today, relationship experts and the creators of a popular interracial dating app share the thoughts and observations gathered from their users.
Loneliness can be harmful, and relationships can heal
Loneliness gives us a feeling of sadness and stress when we stay on our own. For sure, we all go through loneliness at some time in our lives. However, loneliness can have a truly harmful effect on us and our health if this period lasts for too long. Scientists say that loneliness can result in quite evident symptoms, such as pain and headache, low energy and quick tiredness, weight problems, alcohol and drug addictions, and an increasing feeling of hopelessness and depression. Social isolation is proven to be the reason for high blood pressure and inflammation. In this regard, a healthy relationship can be your savior reducing the risks of negative psychological effects of being alone.
Bad relationships can also damage health
Sometimes we feel anger, resentment, and frustration even in close relationships. Suppressing such negative emotions without the possibility to let them go leads to the development of health issues and diseases and can even become the reason for early death. Sometimes conflict in the relationship can be more serious for one person and almost invisible to the partner. Particular actions can irritate your partner even when you don’t know what is happening.
When both suppressing a conflict and resolving it improperly can cause a lot of stress, it is so crucial to learn how to solve conflicts effectively. Though there are many techniques to learn and try, we can recommend at least two very good ones. First, try to achieve a win-win situation in any conflict. For this, listen and try to understand your partner before you start to speak. And second, speak about your feelings and your partner’s actions instead of accusing the partner’s personality. Avoiding direct criticism, you can make sure that your partner will not be hurt and hence will be able to talk normally to you as well.
The way you solve conflicts influences your health
Researchers found out that the way partners behave during conflicts influences their blood levels and stress hormones. The study looked into how couples discussed sensitive topics, including money and communication. Those couples that were able to admit their disagreement and add some humor showed way fewer stress hormones in blood compared to those couples where people were hostile to each other, rolled their eyes, and used sarcasm. Even the metabolism indicators differed, which means that couples who quarrel in a hostile way are prone to suffer from overweight.
Good relationships can improve our health
Scientists proved that women who are engaged in a satisfying marriage have a much lower risk for cardiovascular disease compared to women who have troubles in a relationship. Couples who are disappointed in their relationship are more prone to diseases connected with poor immunity. While a good relationship, vice versa, stimulates the development of the hormones of happiness and improves our immunity. Professors at the University of Utah Healthcare found out that people who are engaged in happy relationships are even faster to get cured. So next time you feel like you have a cold remember about those who you love and these emotions will help you to recover faster.
Good relationships prolong your life expectancy
Studies proved that people who are engaged in happy relationships on average live longer than single people. Experts say that the reasons for that can be reduced stress and fewer bad habits, such as smoking or drinking. We become more motivated to stay physically fit, do more exercises, and eat healthier food. Compliments from our partners can be the best motivator to make us willing to go on training.
All kinds of relationships matter
Relationships affect our health in a positive way, be those relationships with friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues. Studies show that people with a more expanded network of friends and acquaintances on average live longer and have better health. One of the reasons for that can be increased social support from the community which you can always get when needed. Just the feeling that you can have social support if needed already gives you a boost to your health.
