Love is a Powerful Medicine
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 23, 2015) -- “Love.” Just saying the word aloud arouses a cadre of images and feelings. Most people think of marriage when they think of love, but love takes on many faces -- deep friendship, time with family, enjoying an activity or hobby, or spirituality are just a few ways to experience love.
In the words of Mohandas Ghandi, “Where there is love, there is life.” Whatever allows you to feel loved, repeat often. Love is a powerful medicine and provides a critical ingredient for a healthy life.
- Love reduces stress.
Prolonged exposure to stress alerts the body to release the stress hormones known as adrenaline and cortisol, which leads to an increase in heart rate and elevated blood pressure. Long-term activation of adrenaline and cortisol may put you at risk for heart disease; anxiety/depression; digestive problems, and/or weight gain.
- Love increases positivity.
Have you ever watched a UK basketball game on TV with friends and found yourself experiencing affection and sense of shared purpose with a group of strangers who clamor together to root for Big Blue? According to psychologist Barbara Fredrickson, “love blossoms virtually anytime two or more people - even strangers --connect over a shared positive emotion.”
- Love leads to higher immunity.
Studies suggest that those who have healthy, loving relationships also experience less illness. Doctors say that people who engage in productive and positive conversations with those they love foster a higher immune system response than those who argue or shut the other person out. By changing the way in which we approach an argument, we reinforce our overall health as well.
- Love is easy on the figure.
Studies have found that couples who work out together are more likely to maintain their membership or routine for a longer period of time. Additionally, healthy competition in loving relationships can result in attaining a productive level of “pushing-it-to-the-limit.”
- Love gives longer lifespan.
There have been numerous studies that link love and longevity. The results reveal the need for humans to experience social acceptance and a sense of belonging in both public and private realms. Couples who remain open to new ideas and conversations experience less depression or feelings of isolation.
Discover love in new ways by deciding to accept it in all that you see around you every day. Whether it is found in the ray of sunshine on a fresh spring day or a walk around the block with a good friend, drink it in.
Brad Schwarz is a PA at the Lexington VA Hospital.
This column appeared in the February 15, 2015 edition of the Lexington Herald-Leader.