How Healthy Relationships Can Improve Your Physical Health

How Healthy Relationships Can Improve Your Physical Health 1

Healthy relationships are crucial for feeling happy, positive, and also physically healthy. The physical benefits of healthy relationships are a lot, and this article is going to talk about that in detail. Let’s find out the importance of having strong and healthy relationships.

Humans need humans to survive.

It’s no secret that a healthy relationship can bring joy and happiness to your life, but did you know that it can also have a positive impact on your physical health?

From reducing stress levels to boosting your immune system, there are many surprising health benefits to being in a happy partnership. Read on to learn more.

We are social creatures who thrive on strong, healthy relationships with friends, colleagues and family members. Whether enjoying a walk with an old friend or going on a romantic date with your partner, fostering healthy relationships has a variety of mental and physical health benefits.

Related: 12 Common Habits In Healthy Relationships Every Couple Swears By

Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Healthy, Loving Relationships

Relationships produce strong emotions, both positive and negative.

When our relationships are healthy, we feel calm and at ease, knowing someone in the world is rooting for us. Knowing someone cares about our best interests makes it easier to face challenges and self-doubt.

In our bodies, chemicals such as oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, contribute to pleasurable experiences and happiness. For instance, oxytocin, which is commonly called the “love hormone,” is believed to be essential for bonding and trust.

Similarly, dopamine and serotonin have been shown to increase when relationships are stable and loving.

On the flip side, ailing relationships can lead to feelings of loneliness, stress, anxiety, isolation, and depression.

Unhealthy relationships can lead to an increase in cortisol (stress hormone). Cortisol is the central hormone secreted when a mammal is in a state of “fight or flight”. Too much stress and too much cortisol over the long term can lead to poor physical health, including heart issues, a weakened immune system, and increased inflammation.

Healthy Relationships Feel Boring

Impact of Loneliness on Health

Loneliness can have dramatic consequences for your health. Loneliness can lead to sleep disturbance, increased blood pressure, and malcontent.

Human connection, on the other hand has been shown to lead to a better overall quality of life, higher self-esteem and even a lower risk of dementia.

It’s important to recognise that loneliness is different from being alone. Feeling lonely is a problem, but many people live alone and have happy, fulfilling lives.

This is a good reminder that social connections can occur from any loving relationships, not just marriage or romantic partners cohabitating.

Feeling connected and having strong relationships is vital to our health. But what steps can you take to develop good relationships?

How to Maintain Healthy Relationships

I tell my clients, “the grass is always greener where you water it.” I remind them that no relationship is perfect and to make small changes with patience for yourself and your partner.

Having a healthy relationship is not hard, but it requires some TLC.

Communication is vital in any relationship. Be willing to discuss problems. If you recognize a problem in your relationship, raise it thoughtfully and respectfully. Don’t let the issue fester.

Worried about how to communicate your concerns? Use John Gottman’s Gentle Startup Formula:

I feel _ about and I need _.

Practice what I call skydiving listening.

When your partner is in pain or stressed out, listen to them as if your life depends on it; the same way you’d listen to your skydiving instructor before jumping out of a plane. Don’t multitask. Don’t give unsolicited advice. And don’t talk about yourself.

Related: 7 Qualities Of A Healthy Relationship

Be Careful Not to Be Too Quick to Leave a Loving Relationship

We know the health and mental health benefits of feeling connected and cared for are significant.

Sometimes people make the mistake of leaving healthy relationships because they are so focused on what they are NOT getting from thier loved ones, that they take the positive qualities for granted.

Close relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners will still be challenging at times. You’ll occasionally disagree, hurt each other’s feelings, and maybe even think about cutting your loved ones off entirely.

While of course, this is a difficult decision you can only make on your own, but you might consider trying to work to salvage a strained relationship so that you can both experience the love you deserve.

A Good Relationship Is When Two People Accept Each Others Past

Resources that Can Help

Click here for a comprehensive list of free and affordable resources to help improve communication, decrease loneliness and improve relational health.

Laura Silverstein, LCSW

Laura Silverstein is a Certified Gottman Couples Therapist, and author of Love Is An Action Verb. She has thirty years of clinical experience and is the founder and co-owner of Main Line Counseling Partners, based in Bryn Mawr, PA. Laura is a frequent contributor to The Gottman Relationship Blog and has appeared as a relationship expert in media outlets such as the New York Times, ABC, and Today. She helps couples find more happiness as a research clinician, speaker, trainer, and writer with a positive, action-oriented style.


Written By Laura Silverstein
Originally Appeared On Laura Silverstein
benefits of healthy relationships
How Healthy Relationships Can Improve Your Physical Health pinn

— Share —

,

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Up Next

8 K-Drama Childhood Friends to Lovers: Why You’ll Fall in Love All Over Again

Swoon Worthy Childhood Friends To Lovers Kdramas

Let’s be real, we’re all tired of the cringe-worthy, dramatic American teen series that are so predictable. That’s childhood friends to lovers trope is calling your name. The slow-burn romance of a k-drama is just Chef’s kiss!

The kind of chemistry that takes time to build, so you’re hanging on to every little glance, every meaningful pause. The kind that makes you say, “Did they just… or did I just imagine that?”

So, hold your horses because kdrama childhood friends to lovers is filled with emotions that are deep, and the way they take their time to explore complex feelings will have you swooning like no teenage heartthrob ever could.

So without further ado, let’s take a look at 8 childhood friends to lovers kdramas, These will have you hooked and thinking about your childhood

Up Next

The Scandinavian Sleep Method: The Nordic Way To Peaceful Sleep and Relationships

Scandinavian Sleep Method Interesting Benefits Of It

Are you tired of the nightly battle over the covers? Do you and your partner constantly disturb each other trying to stay warm and cozy? The Scandinavian sleep method is a simple bedroom tweak that could save your relationship from the nightly tug-of-war.

Most couples often have minor disagreements when it comes to sharing a bed. Like one partner hogging the blanket, taking up too much space, or snoring can lead to frustration and create small conflicts.

If this sounds all too familiar, then it’s time to consider a simple yet revolutionary solution – the Scandinavian Sleep system. So let’s learn more about it!

Up Next

5 Secrets Of Mismatched Couples: Why Opposites Attract and Stay Together

When it comes to relationships, people often say that “opposites attract.” But how can two people who seem so different in personality, lifestyle, or even values make it work in the long run? Mismatched couples might not appear to be a natural fit, but many of them build lasting, meaningful relationships despite, their differences.

In fact, there are a few secrets to why mismatched relationships not only begin but thrive over time. Here are five reasons why mismatched couples end up together—and stay together.

Read More Here… The Goldilocks Method for Getting Your Needs Met In A Relationship

Up Next

8 Essential Ingredients for a Thriving Relationship

Thriving Relationship: Essential Ingredients Building One

A thriving relationship doesn’t just happen—it’s built on key ingredients that make it strong and lasting.

Whether you’re looking for the ingredients of a healthy relationship or just some good relationship advice, understanding what truly makes a bond work is essential for creating a happy, healthy connection with your partner.

KEY POINTS

Evidence points to the correlation between an enduring, happy relationship and a periodic chuckle.

Neuroscience affirms that attention to gut instinct matters by enabling you to quickly assess a situation.

Relationships can be deep or wide, and each offers

Up Next

How to Regain Trust: 6 Steps to Heal After Betrayal

Happy Memories: Benefits Of Nostalgia

If you are wondering how to restore trust after betrayal, then you should know that it isn’t easy, but it’s totally possible if you’re ready to put in the work. It might take time, but with the right moves, you can rebuild what was broken and come out stronger. This article is going to explore six best ways to regain trust, and turn things around.

KEY POINTS

Those who trust others experience more meaningful relationships, greater self-esteem, and better work performance.

Those who lack trust tend to see others as a threat and the world as hostile.

The path to healing begins with compassion, self-care, journaling, motivational r

Up Next

10 Toxic Communication Patterns That Are Secretly Destroying Your Relationship

Toxic Communication Patterns That Can Destroy Your Bond

Toxic communication patterns in relationships are like sneaky little termites—hard to spot at first but causing huge damage over time. These signs of unhealthy communication can quietly creep in and, before you know it, you’re stuck in a cycle of miscommunication, frustration, and emotional burnout.

The way you speak to each other is everything in a relationship, and if things aren’t being communicated clearly, things can go downhill pretty fast. And before you know it, your relationship is over, leaving you wondering what went wrong.

Today we are going to talk about ten toxic communication patterns, and what unhealthy communication in relationships look like.

Related:

Up Next

Contempt in a Relationship: 10 Subtle Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Contempt in a Relationship Subtle Signs You Mustn't Ignore

Let’s be real—if there’s one thing that can totally destroy a relationship, it’s contempt in a relationship. And what’s contempt? It’s when you start looking down on your partner, feeling like you’re better than them, and that sense of respect and love is just… gone.

Feeling contempt in a relationship can be super toxic, and once it creeps in, it becomes tough to have healthy communication. It’s one of those things that, if left unchecked, can drive couples apart faster than you think.

But don’t worry, the first step is recognizing it, and that’s what we’ll dive into here. First, let’s try to understand what is contempt in a relationship.

Related: