The 6 positive returns of love on your mind and body

Love is profound, meaningful, complex and simple. It is one of the most beautiful emotions that can be experienced by two persons.

Being in love is undoubtedly an exhilarating feeling. When the love-bug bites, it leaves you weak in the knees, with butterflies in your stomach and heart pumping just a little bit faster. So, as we breathe in this celebration of love, let’s explore how love and being in love can have positive effects on both our body and brain.

HOW LOVE AFFECTS US PHYSICALLY

A quickened heart-rate, sweaty palms, knots in the stomach, dilated pupils and a stuttering tongue – are just some of the well-meaning effects of love have on our physical selves. Apart from the release of various happy hormones in your brain, being in love also has benefits for your body.

1. Boosts your immunity: Not only does love help you heal, it might prevent illnesses too.  Research from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh found that individuals who experienced positive emotions of love such as happiness, pleasure and relaxation, were less susceptible to the common cold virus. Other researches show positive emotions with physical contact, even casual ones like simply holding your partner’s hand or a kiss, can lead to a microbial exchange that actually helps strengthen your immune system.

2. Experience less pain: When in love, the dopamine and oxytocin hormones in the brain could actually help increase your threshold for pain. A study by Stanford University discovered that those in love experienced a reduction of pain by 40 percent and eased severe pain by 10 to 15 percent. The hormones prompt the natural release of endorphins, which is similar to the effects of opioids or painkillers, that helps you experience less pain.

3. Live healthier: Making a big change in your life is never easy, whether it’s a change your eating habits or hitting the gym. But when you're in a relationship, things are different as you want to be the best for your partner. Love makes it easier to make positive changes in your life and is a great motivator to stop one’s bad habits. Research shows that couples in love can greatly affect each other's confidence and healthy choices, such as quitting smoking or drinking alcohol and even adopting an active healthy lifestyle.