Why Strong Relationships Are So Important

As humans, we have a built-in desire to connect and build relationships with others.  The benefits are many:

  • Less stress.  Being in a committed relationship is linked to a lower production of cortisol, a stress hormone.  This suggests that the social and emotional support that comes with having a partner can be a great buffer against stress.
  • Better healing.  Whether it’s having someone there to remind you to take your medicine or having a partner to help take your mind off the pain, research suggests married people who have undergone heart surgery are three times more likely to survive the first three months after surgery than single patients.  Married patients also reported feeling more confident about their ability to handle post-surgery pain and were less worried about the surgery in general.
  • Healthier behaviors.  Healthy relationships set the perfect tone for an overall healthy lifestyle.  If your spouse, friends or other loved ones eat a healthy diet, exercise, don’t smoke, etc., you’re likely to follow in their footsteps.

Are you at risk?  Looking for stronger connections in your life?  Reach out to others.  Evening having just one or two strong relationships can have a positive effect on your health.

Source:  Northwestern Medicine