When we think about the benefits of a healthy intimate relationship, we might automatically think about the emotional connection and love – which leads to happiness – that it brings. This makes a lot of sense, and it is certainly true. However, what a lot of people don’t realize is that having a good intimate, and loving relationship can also have a positive effect on our physical health as well. Many studies have shown that there are some surprising health benefits linked to a healthy intimate relationship, so keep reading to find out what they are.
Stress Reduction
One of the most important benefits of a healthy intimate relationship is that it can reduce your stress levels. Engaging in physical intimacy with a loving partner will release endorphins and oxytocin, which are often called the ‘feel-good hormones’. When there is plenty of these hormones in your body, you’ll feel relaxed, less anxious, and you’ll be less stressed.
On top of this, when you have a good physical relationship, you’ll also usually have a good connection in other ways, and that can mean a lot of support and understanding – this is something else that will reduce stress, as you’ll be able to talk about your day and get advice and a listening ear in return.
Strengthened Immune System
It might come as a surprise to find that a healthy intimate relationship can give your immune system a positive boost, but it’s entirely true. Studies have shown that engaging in sexual activity means your body produces more antibodies and improves its immune function. The more sex you have, the better your levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA); this is an antibody that plays a big part in preventing commons illnesses like the flu and the common cold.
Therefore there is a good argument that you should be more intimate with your partner if you want to be healthier in general. This isn’t always easy, thanks to busy lives, kids, and other issues, but it is certainly worth trying more if this aspect of your relationship has dwindled. It might be worth checking out My Amazing Fantasy for some exciting, fresh ideas as well.
Better Heart Health
There are some specific examples of how a healthy intimate relationship can improve your health, and one of these examples is your heart. When you have regular intimate contact with your partner, this can result in lower blood pressure, and that leads to a healthier heart as it doesn’t have to work quite so hard to pump blood around the body.
Plus, if you are less stressed, as we’ve mentioned above, this will also put less of a strain on your heart, keeping it healthier and less prone to damage, which can be very dangerous indeed.
Longer Life Expectancy
If you have a great, intimate relationship, it could increase your chances of having a better life expectancy. Studies have shown that those in committed relationships often live longer than those who are on their own or who are in unhealthy relationships.
There are many factors that could result in this, including all the ones we’ve mentioned above. As well as this, you’ll have a better overall sense of wellbeing and a higher quality of life.
