There is a lot to be said for having strong and healthy relationships. While this appears obvious, the recommendation to have good relationships can be easier said than done. Relationships take work to nurture and build. Some people avoid them for all kinds of reasons. However, they pay off in numerous ways. In our recently published book ("I Can't Take It Anymore: How to Manage Stress so it Doesn't Manage You", Paul G. Longobardi, Ph.D., and Janice B. Longobardi, R.N., P.H.N., available at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/1542458056 we discussed some of these issues. Incidentally, should you want to know more about the book or the authors, you may visit our website at www.manageyourhealthandstress.com . Here is the excerpt from the book:
Healthy relationships are a vital component of health and well-being (Harvard Health Publications, 2016). There is research evidence that strong relationships contribute to a long, healthy, and happy life. On the other hand, the stresses and health risks from being alone or isolated in one's life are comparable to the risks associated with cigarette smoking, heart conditions, and obesity.
When we are in healthy relationships, our brain sends messages that help us feel calm and vibrant. These brain messages traverse key neural pathways. They include our dopamine reward pathways and the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, an area stimulated when we enhance our relaxation through such strategies as meditation. When we are cut off from others, these neural connections are less able to function, and we often suffer irritability, anger, depression, and chronic physical illness. However, when we feel well connected to others, the neural pathways receive the stimulation they need, and we feel more calm, confident, healthy, and productive.
The dopamine system becomes associated with the good feelings and healthy relationships we initially have, such as with our parents as infants. However, if that system becomes disrupted secondary to poor relationships, then people often seek out other ways to stimulate the dopamine system, such as substance abuse, gambling, or excessive spending. Nonetheless, you can strengthen those healthy pathways through awareness and improving your relationships.
Research shows that healthy relationships can help you:
• Live longer. People with strong social relationships are 50% less likely to die prematurely according to many studies.
• Deal with stress. The support offered by a caring friend can provide a buffer against the effects of stress. In research studies, people who completed a stressful task experienced a faster recovery when they were reminded of people with whom they had strong relationships. (Those who were reminded of stressful relationships, on the other hand, experienced even more stress and higher blood pressure.)
• Be healthier. There is research evidence that those who reported having strong relationships were half as likely to catch a common cold when exposed to the virus, compared to people without strong relationships. In addition, people who feel they have friends and family to count on are generally more satisfied with their personal health than people who feel isolated.
On the other hand, poor or limited relationships are linked to a number of health consequences, such as:
• Depression. Poor social and family relationships are associated with stress-related depression. For example, a study of breast cancer patients found that those with fewer satisfying social relationships experienced higher levels of depression, pain, and fatigue.
• Decreased immune function. There is a correlation between loneliness and immune system dysfunction. What this means is that a lack of social connections can increase your chances of becoming sick.
• Higher blood pressure. Poor social relationships and loneliness can predict higher blood pressure over a period of five years. This shows that such poor relationships and isolation/loneliness have long-lasting consequences.
There is clear indication that a lack of relationships and/or poor social relationships and loneliness/isolation can cause many problems with physical, emotional, and mental health. It is the major reason for which people consult medical care providers. They complain of depression, malaise, and poor health status.
So, it is never too early to re-evaluate your relationships and your connectedness to others. To do so will bring you dividends in enhanced well being and reduced stress in life. Good luck in your journey.
Dr. Paul Longobardi
For information on these and related topics, please see my website at www.successandmindset.com