SOUL|Relationships
Why love is good for your health
Love has immense therapeutic potential that inspires professionals to continue exploring ways to channel its benefits in promoting good health, longevity, and a fulfilled life. Where there is love, intimacy cannot be too far behind. And these two, put together, often bring healing, joy, and meaning to human lives.
1. Being in a healthy relationship keeps you fit. Literally.
But before that, a caveat: Just because you consider yourself (finally) off-the-market on account of a relationship, it doesn’t mean that you have earned the right to let go as some men/women tend to do. Being in a healthy relationship means looking after each other’s needs and in doses that are non-detrimental.
Keeping it to the physical aspect of romantic relationship: Did you know that the simple act of kissing can burn up to 28 calories, while up to 30 minutes of sexual activity can burn 85 calories (the equivalent of a small glass of red wine). This might not sound like much but a vigorous session can burn up to 200 calories, which is about the same as running for 15 minutes.
Sex also works core muscles and can boost levels of testosterone, which leads to stronger bones and muscles.
2. Love is a potent stress-buster.
Relationships, especially marriages, might traditionally be seen as sources of stress, but supportive, long-term relationship brings mental health and physical health benefits to both the man and the woman. To prove this point, a study recently published by researchers at the University of Chicago found that men and women in happy relationships or marriage had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their bodies. In addition, happy and fulfilling relationships have also been linked to improvements in mental and physical health and longer life expectancy.
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