Being in a Happy marriage is highly beneficial to your health. How positive or negative the interaction between a couple is plays a crucial role on their health Therefore, it is important to know that marital relationships are among the factors to consider along with diet, exercise, and other key lifestyle habits in order to achieve a happier, longer, and more fulfilling life. Here are 6 amazing Health Benefits of being in a happy marriage.
1. Longer life
In 1990, researchers examined the effects of marriage on mortality using data from the National Health Interview Survey, and discovered that those who had never been married were 70 percent more likely to die young than married people.
In fact, marriage contributes to a longer life through mutual practical support, financial benefits, and children who provide support.
2. Fewer doctors visit
It was discovered in a study carried out by the Health and Human Services Department that married people have fewer doctors visit and shorter hospital stays. A 20 years longitudinal study of 1,700 married individuals discovered that being in a happy marriage was associated with good health habits such as engaging in healthy activities, drinking less, and sleeping better.
Study Author Rick Miller, a family life researcher at Brigham Young University said in a press release that marital support reduces stress and helps buffer against a decline in health.
3. Reduces stress
A study from the University of Chicago revealed that couples who are happily married have a lower level of the stress hormone, cortisol. This suggests that happily married people are less responsive to stress. The emotional support that comes from a partner can be a great buffer against stress.
4. Faster wound healing
A positive relationship can make wounds heal faster. Researchers at Ohio State University Medical Center gave married couples blister wounds, and the couples that interacted warmly healed faster than those that did not. According to research, married people that have undergone heart surgery are three times more likely to survive the first three months after surgery than unmarried people.
5. Regulates blood pressure
According to a study in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine, it was discovered that a happy marriage is good for your blood pressure. Researchers found that happily married people were less hypertensive than unmarried people.
6. Heart health
Being happily married may significantly reduce your chances of dying of a heart attack. A study in the Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine revealed that after accounting for age, blood pressure, body mass index, cholesterol, and other lifestyle choices, it was discovered that married men who were diagnosed with heart disease lived 10 years longer than unmarried men.