How to Improve Your Health (Besides Dieting or Exercising)

"“Inflammation is linked to poor health and disease. We have known for quite some time that certain behaviors harm our health by spiking our inflammation levels—things like poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and smoking.

More recently, research has found that negative emotional states can have deleterious effects on our physical health as well. Things like anger and toxic stress can lead to heart issues. And social isolation, which we are currently experiencing at epidemic levels across the globe, has been associated with heightened inflammation as well.

In a study in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill social psychologist Sara Algoe and colleagues investigated what the impact of time spent with one’s romantic partner would be on the individual’s health.

Effects on Inflammation

The researchers surmised that spending more time with one’s significant other on a daily basis would be correlated with lower c-reactive protein (CRP), a common marker of inflammation.

Simply Spending Time Together

The evidence suggests the cumulative effects of simply spending time with our loved one, whether we are laughing together, cuddling, or sitting silently together, can lead to better health. You may not only feel better by being together, but may become healthier together as well.”

Read the complete article available at Psychology Today!

Reflection:

How does spending time with your loved ones make you feel?

#Love #Relationships #Health