Have you ever noticed how things just flow better when you’re in a good relationship? And we don’t mean just romantic relationships, we’re talking good friendships, good relationships with family members, co-workers, life just feels like it flows a little better, a little smoother, you know? Well, there’s a whole psychology behind healthy relationships and some major health benefits. Let’s take a look, shall we? 

Studies have shown that when we have happy, healthy relationships, we live longer. This study was done on married men in particular and researchers found that good relationships lower stress and anxiety, and people in good relationships often break bad, damaging habits such as heavy drinking and smoking for the relationship. 

And speaking of less stress, being in a good, strong, committed relationship leads to our bodies producing less cortisol, the stress-inducing hormone. Studies even found that couples that cohabitate are happier than those that don’t. What it comes down to is quite simple, knowing someone at home always has your back, is always there for you, and always supports you, even when they aren’t necessarily with you all the time, is a huge mental health booster. 

Medical professionals will tell you that those with a strong support system actually heal quicker when they’re faced with recovery. And this doesn’t mean just having a spouse, your support system can be made of friends, family, and even pets. 

Happy relationships have been known to lower blood pressure. Odds are you’ve heard of “broken heart syndrome” which is brought on by sudden negative emotions, and the symptoms mimic a heart attack. Well, researchers have found that the opposite is true as well and those that have happy, healthy relationships are more relaxed and more likely to take part in physical activity. 

It’s human nature to want to feel like we have a purpose in life and that we’re helping those around us. And when we have these strong relationships, we know we’re doing just that, so aside from all these wonderful benefits already discussed, being in a loving relationship also gives us a sense of purpose.

What about the effects of loneliness? 

Loneliness can lead to a number of health consequences such as less sleep, elevated blood pressure, and significantly higher stress levels. Older people are particularly vulnerable to falling victim to this as their mobility decreases and they can no longer (or have a harder time) meeting up with people. Younger people also fall victim to loneliness, teens – 20’s, since this age group is more likely to isolate themselves. In younger age groups this often leads to obesity, inflammation, and high blood pressure.