Connecting with people in your life, such as family and friends, provides an opportunity for exchanging ideas, and giving or receiving support. While these interactions may give you pleasure, what you may not realize is that they are also influencing your long-term health. In fact, Harvard medical school research shows that strong relationships are just as important as adequate sleep, a good diet, and refraining from smoking. Here are just four of the ways relationships contribute to your health, and why it might be a good idea to make relationships a priority in your life:
Boosts Happiness
As human beings, we have a need for attachment. We can't survive without some sort of connection with other human beings. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that many studies have shown that people who have meaningful relationships are happier than those with fewer relationships, and that a lack of social ties can be associated with depression. There is also evidence to support that connecting with others triggers a release of stress-reducing hormones, which helps relieve harmful levels of stress that can cause damage to coronary arteries, gut function, insulin regulation, and the immune system.
Lessens Health Risks
Having high-quality relationships can actually lower our risk of health problems. For example, some studies have shown that women in satisfying marriages or marital-type relationships have a lower risk for cardiovascular disease, and that peaceful couples in general have better immune systems. One large study conducted in Sweden concluded that of the subjects they studied, ages 75 and older, those with varying types of satisfying relationships were at a lower risk for dementia than those with few contacts. There is also plenty of other research that indicates disappointing or negative interactions with family and friends leads to poorer health, while positive interactions promote a higher level of health. See: Source
Increases Longevity
A lack of social ties can actually lead to a quicker decline in how long you will live. A study of 309,000 people found that when an individual didn't have strong relationships, their risk for premature death was increased from all causes by 50%, which is comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes per day, and is higher than the risk of death from obesity and physical inactivity. This direct connection between relationships and longevity shows that having strong connections with others can have a direct impact on your body and overall health, and will contribute to how long you will live, and the quality of life you will experience.
Opportunity for Self-Care
Taking care of yourself is an absolute must if you want to be healthy. However, with how busy and emotional life can get, this isn't always an easy task. Some research has shown that offers of help or advice, and expressions of affection, all qualify as social support that enhances the life of the giver, as well as the receiver. Having meaningful relationships can actually increase your ability to take care of yourself, thus contributing to your overall health.
Stress Reduction
Marriage has long been associated with health and wellness benefits, however, research headed by Dario Maestripieri, Professor in Comparative Human Development at the University of Chicago, found that people in long-term committed relationships also had the same benefits of happily married couples when it comes to the buffering effects of long-term relationships against stress. See: Source
Creating and maintaining healthy relationships can sometimes feel like a daunting or difficult task. However, it is worth the work and risk to have meaningful relationships, as they contribute to your well being. Consider the relationships in your life, and start thinking of ways to enhance those connections; you will have a healthier and more fulfilling life if you do.
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