Being crazy in love comes with some pretty weird side effects.
When you’re in a contended relationship the emotional benefits will be obvious. You’ll have a spring in your step and when your other half phones or texts you’ll get a lift simply from touching base with them. Anticipating dates or nights in will maintain a sunny disposition. But there are aspects to being in a satisfied relationship that are even more positive – such as giving your health a boost. Being in love can actually improve your wellbeing, and here are six strange ways in which this can happen.
Heart
Matters of the heart? Your heart is melting? It’s no coincidence this vital organ is so inextricably linked with love. Studies have demonstrated people who are ‘in love’ experience an improvement in their cardiovascular health. There are many reasons for this, not least the fact that being in a strong relationship with someone will trigger intense feelings. Every time you think about getting intimate with your significant other, your heart will receive a little adrenaline shot and beat that bit quicker. When you actually get down to the deed, your pulse will increase dramatically. Any physical action that gets your heart racing is good for your health.
Body image
A classic symptom of being single is fretting about how others perceive you. Typical concerns include weight issues, hairstyles or your overall figure. Once you’re in a stable relationship these concerns decrease because one aspect of being an ‘item’ is you will have usually arrived at a point where you feel relatively comfortable with someone. Partners in a successful relationship are happy enough to have fallen in love, ‘warts and all.’ Being relaxed in another’s company means they’ll be more likely to have a positive sense of themselves, which is crucial to physical and mental health.
Joint gym memberships
While it can be common for people to ‘let themselves go’ once they enter a stable partnership, they can also go the other way and actively encourage their partner to boost their health. They’ll motivate each other to keep fit by joining the local gym together, as well as focussing on a sensible diet. Those living alone are more likely to succumb to the temptation of regular takeaways, whereas partners will see these indulgences as occasional treats.
Stress
So many aspects of modern life seem designed to have us tearing our hair out – work problems, dealing with financial headaches, coping with parenting issues – and much more. Stress is bad for your physical health, affecting blood pressure. It will also have a detrimental effect on your mental wellbeing, and if unchecked can lead to depression. An invaluable aspect of a partnership is that you have someone to share all your concerns with. Discussing matters rationally can really help to put things in perspective.
Feeling good
Scientific research has proved that people who hug regularly benefit from their bodies producing a hormone called oxytocin. This is believed to have a positive effect on mood. Pity those poor singles who have only their pillows to hug at night!
Good night
Sharing a bed with someone also has proven health benefits. From young couples to those dating over 40 and beyond, sleeping with someone – whether simply spooning or getting a bit more intimate – is hugely beneficial to your physical and mental health.