5 Surprising Health Benefits Of Being In Love health benefits of being in love

(Photo: Ashley Batz for Bustle)

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Falling in love sure feels good. In fact, one of the biggest signs you’re falling in love is that pleasurable and exciting feeling you get when you’re around your significant other. It’s like you’re high on something and as it turns out, it’s not only your heart that’s experiencing a boost.

Love can be very beneficial to your health as well. There’s a lot more going on in your body than a fluttering belly. Here are five health benefits of being in love that may come as a surprise.

1. It improves mental health

When you first start falling in love, your brain releases more dopamine, a feel-good chemical associated with reward. Dopamine helps you feel positive and optimistic. One study shows that as your love matures, the dopamine levels remain elevated. This means that as long as you strive to keep the love alive, you’re more likely to stay mentally strong and happy.

(Photo: Ashley Batz for Bustle)

2. It eases stress

Another one of the health benefits of being in love is that it can help keep you calm and relaxed. This is all thanks to oxytocin, the bonding hormone. This closeness and security you feel with your partner actually help to reduce stress level. In fact, just being in the presence of someone who sees you in a positive light and cares for you can lower the levels of cortisol (stress hormone) in the body.

3. It eases anxiety

It has been shown that loneliness can have a negative impact on your health. But when you’re in love, you reap more benefits. While loneliness can stimulate anxiety, being in love can do the opposite.

4. You take your health seriously

Having someone who cares about your health almost as much as you do can be a good thing. Couples often encourage each other to go to the doctor when they don’t want to. Individually, it’s easy to shrug off symptoms and say it’s not a big deal. But if you have someone observant in your life, they might push you to go see a doctor.

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5. You live longer

Studies have shown that happily married couples are more likely to live longer. This has been linked to the consistent social and emotional support that is a part of being in a healthy relationship. In addition, having someone in your life who can hold you accountable to healthy lifestyle behaviors and steer you away from bad choices is a plus. It has also been found that happy couples experience lower blood pressure and less depression as well.