The top 5 benefits of strong relationships!
Updated: Apr 1, 2020
As we already know humans are social animals that crave interaction with others. We've all developed in a way that we can not function without each other. From birth we are completely dependent on our mother and even as we grow to become 'independent' we still rely on others. The relationships that we form with the others around us have not only been critical for our survival but also for our happiness.
Did you know?
Those are have stronger relationships with family and friends 'are happier, physically healthier and live longer, with fewer mental health problems' than those who don't (1).
1. Better physical health
Having good relationships has a drastic improvement on your physical health. A study was done in 2010 by Holt Lunstad who said “A lack of social relationships was equivalent to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day”. Crazy right?
2. Better mental health
You might have heard of the serotonin and oxytocin before but if not don't worry. Serotonin and oxytocin are chemicals in your brain which is released when you have a positive interaction with another person. Evidence suggest that people who have bad relationships are "three times as likely to experience depression as those who aren’t" (2). If you want to know how you can boost your oxytocin take a look at this blog:
3. Honest help and support
We've all been in difficult situations before and having someone to support you is always nice. Often just their presence can make you feel better but it can also be useful to get a friend or family members opinion on what they would do in your situation. You can learn a lot quicker from other people's experience saving you time and stress which leads me onto my next point.
4. Less stressed
People who have good relationships are much less stressed as they have strong support systems to help them deal with difficult times. You wake up and look forward to your day, you look forward to seeing people and your mood completely reflects this. Additionally, by feeling less stressed you also improve your chances for better physical health.
5. Get to express a different side of yourself
Even the strongest people like to show their softer, nicer side and we know how good it feels get it return. With good relationships we're much more likely to be able to do this more often, which in turn makes us much happier.
References:
1. Relationships in the 21st century: the forgotten foundation of mental health and wellbeing [Internet]. Mental Health Foundation. 2020 [cited 22 March 2020]. Available from: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/relationships-21st-century-forgotten-foundation-mental-health-and-wellbeing
2. Relationships and depression | Relate [Internet]. Relate.org.uk. 2020 [cited 22 March 2020]. Available from: https://www.relate.org.uk/relationship-help/help-relationships/mental-health/relationships-and-depression