Importance of Strong Relationships

Why Strong Relationships Are So Important

As humans, we have a built-in desire to connect and build relationships with others. Regardless if it is with family, a partner, neighbor, or more the benefits of connection are many:

  • Less stress: Being in positive relationships is linked to a lower production of cortisol, a stress hormone. This suggests that the social and emotional support that comes with kinships can be a great buffer against stress.
  • Better healing: Whether it’s having someone there to remind you to take your medicine or a kind ear to listen and take your mind off the pain, research suggests those with close loved ones who have undergone heart surgery are three times more likely to survive the first three months after surgery than those without. Those patients also reported feeling more confident about their ability to handle post-surgery pain and were less worried about the surgery in general.
  • Healthier behaviors: Healthy relationships set the perfect tone for an overall healthy lifestyle. If your spouse, friends or other loved ones eat a healthy diet, exercise, don’t smoke, etc., you’re likely to follow in their footsteps.

Looking for stronger connections in your life? Reach out to others. Even having just one or two strong relationships can have a positive effect on your mental & physical health.