Love: It feels so good, AND it’s so good for you – bonus!

    February seems like the perfect month to write about the health benefits of love!  Not only does being in love feel good – there are also real, measurable positive health side effects to being in a relationship.

    One study found that when people were with their spouses or partners their blood pressure lowered slightly.

    The endorphins released by being in love increase blood flow to the skin, keeping it soft and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

     Although people love to complain that their significant others are driving them crazy, companionship actually tends to be good for mental health—especially for women. This is particularly true when it comes to depression.  In addition, being in a romantic relationship can create smaller spikes in cortisol which causes stress (and acne, pimples and breakouts!)

    Being in love helps you stay on your workout routine.  Men and women who exercise with a romantic partner are more likely to train harder, and more regularly than those who go it alone.

    And finally, did you know that married people live longer than folks who aren’t married? Yep - married people have longer average life spans and are drastically less likely to die at an early age than unmarried couples.  It’s true! How’s that for the ultimate health benefit of love? A longer life!!!