8 Ways Relationships Affect Your Physical Health
Why Relationships Matter: Part 2
Your relationships matter because they have many effects on your physical health! Having a solid number of healthy, strong connections with others fosters better health. On the other hand, the stress and loneliness that comes from a small number of connections or unhealthy relationships can be detrimental.
Do you ever randomly experience an empty ache in your chest? I do! Like so many others, I have been struggling recently with the lonely feelings caused by social distancing requirements (thanks a lot, COVID!). Some days I don’t mind staying home and keeping to myself, but there are other days when I just want to get out and socialize! I have noticed several of my friendships weakening because we are unable to spend much time together. This has affected my physical health! I am more tired and feel less inclined to take care of myself - it’s not like anyone will see me anyway, right?!
Let’s discuss 8 specific ways your relationships can impact your health - for better or worse!
This is part ⅔ of my “Why Relationships Matter” series. Read part 1 here: 4 Ways Your Relationships Can Harm Your Mental Health
The Positive Effects of Healthy Relationships
Boosted Immune System
Psychological studies suggest that physical affection, like hugs, can strengthen the immune system and improve your blood pressure! Humans have a biological need for interaction and touch.
*Challenge: Try to hug as many people as you can today (minding social distancing requirements, of course)! At the end of the day, check in with yourself physically. How do you feel? Better? Let me know in the comments below!*
Better hygiene
When we feel loved and cared for by others, we are far more likely to care about ourselves! Some psychologists theorize that we are like mirrors - we reflect back to others what we think they think about us! So, according to this theory, if there is someone that we think loves us, we reflect that back by loving ourselves.
Additionally, frequent interactions with others encourages good hygiene. In most cultures, humans are taught to look and smell good. There are unfortunate, negative feelings toward those who do not. For example, I was bullied in middle school for having greasy hair and, to this day, I avoid being seen before washing my hair. I do not condone judging or mistreating others based on appearance or hygiene! However, it is a fact that we are more likely to keep ourselves well-groomed and clean to avoid this stigma.
Less risk of stroke or heart attack
Medical studies show that people who are happily married are less likely to deal with these conditions, even in their old age! Having a supportive life partner decreases stress, increases happiness, and motivates self-care.
Longer life
The 3 effects described above all contribute to the overall effect of a longer, happier life!
The Negative Effects of Unhealthy Relationships
Poor sleeping
The stress and anxiety that comes from a troubled relationship can impact your sleep. We are more easily woken if we don’t feel safe. This disturbs the much-needed REM cycle! Unfortunately, an unhealthy relationship now can affect your sleeping habits for long into the future.
Higher blood pressure
It is no secret that stress causes high blood pressure! Part of the reason is due to higher cortisol (stress hormone) levels. High blood pressure today can lead to bigger issues in your future including heart attacks, kidney problems, and dementia.
Weakened immune system
While healthy relationships contribute to a healthy immune system, troubled relationships do the opposite! Have you ever found yourself getting sick more often during a time when you were struggling with someone? I have! Part of this is caused by stress from worrying and feelings of loneliness. Stress triggers the “fight or flight” response and causes inflammation throughout your body! If this occurs too often and for too long, it can have long-term negative effects.
Obesity
When we are struggling in a relationship, it is natural to try to numb the pain and anxiety on our own! One way we do so is through emotional eating. Powerful emotions can override the part of the brain that registers when the stomach is full. This is why you can just eat and eat and eat when you are sad or upset! It might feel good in the moment, but you will regret it later.
We also try to escape the stress or make up for the loneliness with screen time. Sometimes, this is a tactic to avoid the person who is stressing you out. You claim you need alone time and then proceed to binge-watch a show on Netflix or lose yourself in an Instagram hole! Believe me, I have been there and done that more times than I care to admit! The issue is, this is a temporary fix that actually contributes to the larger problem!
"We try to escape the stress or ... avoid the person ... The issue is, this is a temporary fix that actually contributes to the larger problem!"
Not only does increased screen time take up time that you could be physically active, but it also isolates you from others. If a relationship is causing you stress and anxiety, it means that relationship needs your attention, not your avoidance!
Why Does this Matter?
Your physical health should matter to you! Life on earth is a blessing - a wonderful opportunity given to us by God! We can show Him that we are grateful for it by making the best of it, especially by caring for our bodies. One of the best ways to do this is to work toward strong relationships that support our health rather than harm it.
If you are struggling physically, it may be beneficial to consider how your relationships may be having an impact on you. For example, maybe you have been trying to lose weight but find yourself overeating in front of the TV every night! This could be because you are lonely! Instead of beating yourself up and pushing yourself harder, try finding a friend to support you.
What have you learned about how relationships impact physical health? Let me know in the comments below!
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Wishing you the best,
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