Having loving relationships are good for your health.

Studies show that those engaged in positive relationships live longer. People, in particular men, are healthier when they’re in a relationship, and they live longer. Experts attribute this phenomenon to factors like reduced stress, and in romantic relationships a partner often gives up bad habits in support of the relationship. As a result, healthy habits increase longevity.

Good relationships make us feel better. Having good relationships can actually help to prevent illness, help us recover more quickly or prevent deterioration of health conditions.  Additionally, people feeling love are more relaxed and more likely to engage in exercise or other activities beneficial to the heart.

Studies show that people who engage in supportive, positive relationships produce more Oxytocin and seem less likely to succumb to the negative effects of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Evidence suggests that relationships with friends, family and partners may hold some of the answers. For example, those of us with strong relationships are 50% more likely to survive life-threatening illness than people with weaker ones. However, just when we need them most, the effects of living with a health condition can put our relationships under strain: around 1 in 4 people with a life-limiting health condition or who are disabled said that their condition has impacted negatively on relationships they have or have had with partners

Loving relationships make us happy, but they also keep us healthy. From improving our immune system and blood pressure to helping us heal quicker and enjoy life longer, a happy relationship is life’s greatest medicine. Go ahead, take that free hug. It’s good for you.