Close relationships with loved ones bring positive changes in the human body. Various studies report that love contributes to the health of the cardiovascular system and lowers blood pressure and it also improves the quality of mental health and promotes better sleep patterns. In addition, love acts as an analgesic for pain and reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases.
As in the case of many other feelings and sensations in the body, love tends to be a complex interaction of a series of hormones and other chemical compounds.
When it comes to romantic love – in the early stages of love one might experience intense feelings of attraction to another person. This may cause the estrogen and testosterone hormones to dominate the adrenaline. Adrenaline is a hormone of the adrenal gland, which is activated in a situation where the brain assesses something threatening. While meeting with a loved one is much different from a life threatening situation, the brain interprets them in a similar fashion because they both cause an increase in heart rate, sweaty palms and dry mouth. With adrenaline, the sex hormones, estrogen in women and testosterone in men, work with other chemical compounds creating a sense of attraction to your loved one.
In stressful situations in life, close relationships often act as a protective factor. For instance, a major life change can induce stress but will be much easier to endure with the help and support of loved ones.
Close relationships allow the development of some social skills and learning different social norms.
At a later stage of romantic love, oxytocin is an important hormone. This is appropriately nicknamed ‘the hormone of love’. It contributes to the development of feelings of trust and affection for your loved one. Oxytocin is not only present in romantic love, but also in all other close relationships colored by love; which can be family or friendly in nature. During pleasant social situations, the oxytocin hormone is released which in turn stimulates the release of chemicals which then causes a feeling of happiness, which is also a motivation to continue nurturing the relationship.
Close relationships with loved ones bring some positive changes in the human body. Various studies report that love contributes to the health of the cardiovascular system and lowers blood pressure and it also improves the quality of mental health and promotes better sleep patterns. In addition, love acts as an analgesic for pain and reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases.
In addition to the health benefits of love, we should also mention the social benefits. Close relationships allow the development of some social skills and learning different social norms. If close relationships are developed with various people, there is an opportunity for both to explore and fulfill their most diverse interests and needs. Loved ones can also help us by offering support in stressful situations. Love is valuable in improving our health and our lives.
