Health benefits of a healthy intimate relationship

LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS

The last six months I have dated, my life has taken a better drift. I sleep better and I have gained weight,” testifies Ann Chebet, 26.

Chebet is quick to add that from the time she got engaged in a romantic relationship, she has experienced a peace of mind like never before.  “I feel happy and confident. Even my productivity at work improved greatly,” she notes.

Chebet’s testimony is what relationship experts describe as a healthy intimate or sexual relationship. As the world celebrates Valentine’s Day on February 14, relationship experts explore the health benefits of being in a healthy intimate or romatic relationship.

Experts assert that romantic relationships, friendships or even familial relationships can have positive effects on health. As humans, the relationships we form with other people are vital to our mental and emotional wellbeing, and really, our survival.

Mental–wellbeing                         

Derrick Kizza Mbuga director Mental Health Uganda (MHU) explains that when people are in healthy relationships they are very productive, very healthy emotionally but also physically. Some people gain weight because of peace of mind, just as the case is for Chebet.

Kizza describes a good relationship as one that results into both emotional and practical benefits to a person’s health. It is the essence of well-being.  A healthy relationship can be shared between any two people who love, support, encourage and help each other practically as well as emotionally.

Stress reliever

Citing the benefits, he further explains that healthy relationships boost happiness and reduce stress. Being in a committed relationship is linked to less production of cortisol, a stress hormone. This suggests that married people or even couples in committed relationships are less responsive to psychological stress, and that the social and emotional support that comes with having a partner can be a great buffer against stress.

Prossy Solomy Nakimbugwe a counseling psychologist at Butabika hospital explains that when you share your emotions and views with people close to you, you relieve stress to a great extent. In addition, spending more and more time with your friends, family and loved ones keeps you away from stress and increases your chances for healthy living.

Similarly, studies reveal that being in love has a big effect on your oxytocin level, a hormone which promotes bonding and comfort. This is why you love being around your partner, and why just being near them can boost your mood.  

Ali Male who is a counseling psychologist at A–Z counseling and support centre explains that during sexual intercourse, people always exchange what is called a “love” hormone. Once people are in a healthy sexual relationship the hormone creates a chemical bond. It is the reason why people in a sexual relationship cannot forget the person they slept with, Male notes

However, Kizza warns that in the absence of peace a lot of challenges crop up, and clinical depression is one of them. Although, this may be managed through therapy, unfortunately some people do not get the safe space to reveal what they are battling with, he notes and is quick to estimate that nine out of ten women who seek counseling services at the center on a monthly basis are dealing with bad relationships. Although the reasons vary, the majority of issues rotate around not feeling loved by the entire family or her spouse.

Ruth Ssenyonyi, a counseling psychologist working with Bank of Uganda notes that if you are not relating well; and you are in the fight and flee mode; your body gets into high stress levels. Consequently, the immunity drops, putting you at risk of easily acquiring infections.

Improve sleep

Relationship experts note that a good intimate or romantic relationship gives peace of mind, so you sleep better. This is corroborated with research findings by the University of Pittsburgh that found that people who slept next to their significant other had lower levels of cortisol (a stress hormone), consequently allowing them to sleep better.

A separate study found that women in long-term-relationships slept more soundly and fell asleep more quickly.

Not to mention, engaging in a good intimate or sexual relationship aids sleep.

Sexual therapists note that during orgasm, the body releases oxytocin, also called “love” or “intimacy” hormone and endorphins. A combination of these hormones can act as sedation, aiding in sleep. As Pretty Kaine attests: “With just one organism in a week and all my fatigue goes away. I sleep soundly like a baby” Kaine testifies.

 The benefits are endless.  Health experts note that better sleep contributes to a strong immune system a longer lifespan feeling more well-rested, hence having more energy to carry on your day to day activities. Oxytocin also helps foster a sense of calmness and contentment.

Better Healing

Whether it is having someone there to remind you to take your medicine, or having a partner to help take your mind off the pain, research suggests that married people who have undergone heart surgery are three times more likely to survive the first three months after surgery than single patients. This could heavily weigh on the fact that a caregiver is guaranteed. By having an existing relationship based on love, care, and respect you do not need to seek out someone to nurse you back to health. Consequently, a little emotional support can go a long way in helping a person recover from a procedure or illness.

Healthier Behaviors

Healthy relationships set the perfect tone for an overall healthy lifestyle, notes Ann Tweheyo a counselling psychologist at Bishop Stuart University based in Mbarara. “Partners and close friends often encourage us to exercise and eat healthy,” Tweheyo notes. Besides, it is a lot easier to take on healthy behaviors when you surround yourself with people who are doing the same.