Skip to main content

Love has been a central theme in human experiences, literature, and art for centuries. As we celebrate the month of love, it’s essential to recognise that beyond the emotional and romantic aspects, research has shown that love in its various forms can positively affect our physical and mental health. Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health shares 7 longevity benefits of being in love. 

Here’s how being in love can improve your overall heatlth

#1. Stress Reduction and Emotional Resilience

Being in love may significantly decrease stress and increase emotional resilience. According to studies, people in romantic relationships had lower cortisol levels, a stress hormone. Lower cortisol levels are associated with fewer stress-related health issues, including anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular diseases.

#2. Enhanced Immune System 

Your body produces oxytocin, the love hormone when you’re in love. Oxytocin not only increases emotional ties but also improves immunological function. A robust immune system is better prepared to fight off infections and diseases.

#3. Lower Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Health

Being in love can lower blood pressure. The emotional connection and support in a loving relationship contribute to a sense of security and longevity. This in turn helps reduce the risk of hypertension and heart-related issues.

#4. Pain Relief and Increased Pain Tolerance

Emotional connection and closeness with a loved one may cause the production of endorphins. Endorphins are often referred to as the body’s natural painkillers. They have the remarkable ability to block pain signals, reducing the perception of discomfort and physical distress.

This pain-relieving effect can be especially pronounced during emotional connection and intimacy with a loved one.

#5. Improved Mental Health and Reduced Depression

In a loving and supportive relationship, you have a partner with whom you can share your thoughts, feelings, and challenges, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. Emotional support and encouragement from a loved one can also boost self-esteem and self-worth.

#6. Longer Lifespan and Increased Longevity

Research has consistently shown that loving and committed relationships can increase your lifespan and promote longevity. Studies have found that married individuals, on average, tend to live longer than their single counterparts.

#7. Better Sleep Quality and Being in Love

A loving relationship’s emotional security and comfort can lead to improved sleep patterns and a reduced risk of insomnia. The presence of a loved one might make you feel comfortable and calm, making it easier to fall and remain asleep all night. Quality sleep is critical for general health and longevity because it helps your body and mind rest and rejuvenate.

About the author

Murray Hewlett is the CEO of Affinity Health, one of South Africa’s leading health coverage providers, offering a range of options at affordable rates, including access to the widest national provider network. 

Photo credit: Affinity Health

Murray Hewlett

Murray Hewlett

Murray Hewlett is the founding CEO of Affinity Enterprises. His vision is to make South Africans healthier and enhance the quality of their lives. Affinity Enterprises exists in response to an ever-growing need for affordable health services. He serves on the Executive Committees and Board of Directors of many for-profit and non-profit organisations.  He obtained his MBA from Charles Sturt University in Australia in 2008. He is currently a Doctoral candidate at the University of Liverpool and earned a B.Sc. degree from Wits University in 1996. Murray lives in Johannesburg and is a father to two daughters and two sons. He enjoys travelling, the ocean, motorsports, technology and wellness.

Longevity Live is a digital publisher AND DOES NOT OFFER PERSONAL HEALTH OR MEDICAL ADVICE. IF YOU’RE FACING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICES IMMEDIATELY, OR VISIT THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM OR URGENT CARE CENTER. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE STARTING ANY NUTRITION, DIET, EXERCISE, FITNESS, MEDICAL, OR WELLNESS PROGRAM.

This content, developed through collaboration with licensed medical professionals and external contributors, including text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the website, apps, newsletter, and products (“Content”), is general in nature and for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice; the Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, procedure, or treatment, whether it is a prescription medication, over-the-counter drug, vitamin, supplement, or herbal alternative.

Longevity Live makes no guarantees about the efficacy or safety of products or treatments described in any of our posts. Any information on supplements, related services and drug information contained in our posts are subject to change and are not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.

Longevity does not recommend or endorse any specific test, clinician, clinical care provider, product, procedure, opinion, service, or other information that may be mentioned on Longevity’s websites, apps, and Content.

error: Content is protected !!