How does relationships affect your health

Humans have an inherent desire to be close to other people — to connect and build relationships. While a man talking to a volleyball while stranded on an island Remember the movie? That's because healthy relationships, whether romantic, friendships or familial, can help make life healthier. Fisher, PhD , who is a relationship expert. A positive relationship can be shared between any two people who support, encourage and help each other practically as well as emotionally. According to Dr. Fisher, the most important part of a healthy relationship is healthy communication.

And while you don't have to be romantically involved to enjoy the benefits of a healthy relationship, there is research on the positive effects a healthy romantic relationship can have on your health. Here are five benefits of healthy relationships. Some are specific to romantic relationships, while others aren't.

Being in a committed relationship is linked to less production of cortisol, a stress hormone. This suggests that paired people are less responsive to psychological stress, and that the social and emotional support that comes with having a partner can be a great buffer against stress. There's even evidence to suggest that couples who cohabitate are happier than those that don't.

They can be something that you can share, with your partner, or something just for you — to enrich yourself, individually. Research has shown that investing in yourself also invests in the partnership. The more fulfilled you feel, the more beneficial this is for the partnership. Mindfulness is often tainted with ideas of spiritualism or barefoot walks through fields of corn. It can be these things — and great if these work for you. But mindfulness is much more than this.

This can involve anything from the sublime to the ridiculous. The positive impact of dancing and movement in therapeutic contexts for those with mental health illnesses, such as depression, is well evidenced.

Dancing and being daft can give you and your partner to push aside the sedentary image that is equated with long-term relationships. How Relationships Affect Mental Health. Studies show partners who support each other's mental health will improve their relationship. Jacqui Gabb. The pressures of the pandemic The coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on our relationships and also our mental health. How your couple relationship can improve mental wellbeing Evidence finds a clear link between good-quality relationships and health and happiness.

Check in with each other daily Research on long-term relationships has shown that relationships are sustained through daily interactions and that this everyday relationship work provides invaluable support and sustenance both for the couple partnership and the mental health and wellbeing of both partners.

Make thoughtful gestures Thoughtful gestures provide emotional and practical support, making a partner feel that they are loved and cared for. Exercise outdoors The value of exercising as a couple and connecting with nature through outdoor activities is well acknowledged in mental health research.

Be in the moment Mindfulness is often tainted with ideas of spiritualism or barefoot walks through fields of corn. Being in conflict with your friends, family, or significant other can negatively affect both your health and theirs. Especially cardiovascular health. One of the ways to nurture healthy relationships is to practice gratitude.

Expressing gratitude towards a partner can boost positivity for both parties. Relationships are hard work. You need to invest time in them. Make an effort to spend time together, accept one another, practice forgiveness and allow ourselves to be vulnerable. What actually happens is that we have a tendency to adopt similar habits to people we are close to, especially our spouses.