The Love and Health Connection

The health benefits of LOVE.

How would you like to see some health benefits for Valentine’s Day? Love and health have a lot to do with each other, believe it or not. In his book “The Art of Loving” Erich Fromm reminds us that relationships are the force that keeps the human race together. But, it is not any kind of love that gives health benefits; it is a stable, calmer, more mature love than the initial passionate one that starts most relationships. We are social beings and values like connection, respect, trust, a sense of belonging, acceptance, and patience are associated with the kind of love that plays a role in improving your health. 

Research suggests that loving relationships play a role in decreasing risk factors of heart disease, such as high blood pressure and stress. Love decreases anxiety, it is also a good analgesic. There is evidence that love can decrease depression. Loving relationships can also give the immune system a boost; love makes wounds heal faster and plays a role in happier and longer lives. In summary, love is a healing force.

So this Valentine’s Day remember, like the Beatles said, “All you need is love.”