Marriage--Good For Your Health?

Want to improve your overall health? Experts say to choose your marriage partner wisely then. That’s right, deciding who to spend forever with is even more important than you may have thought. Not only do you want to choose someone you are compatible with, who shares your same values and belief system, and who will be your complete companion so you can be ultimately happy, but research shows that when you are married to someone who truly makes you happy, your mental and physical health increase.

Greater resistance to infection, fewer infections, as well as reduced likelihood of dying from cancer, heart disease and all major killers are just a few of the physical health benefits of a healthy marital relationship. Longevity is another one. So, if you are hoping to live a long life, choose wisely.

There are also many mental benefits to good, satisfying marital relationships. Less depression, less anxiety disorders, less psychosis, less posttraumatic stress disorders, and fewer phobias are included. A happily married person also has fewer injuries due to accidents.

On the other hand, marital stress can double a person’s risk of developing diabetes and some studies show women in marital distress have a three times greater risk of a second heart attack. In fact, studies across the board have traced marital stress to cardiovascular health. Blood pressure was found to be directly related to marital cohesion, an encouraging reason for couples to spend time with each other and share positive experiences together.

All in all, a happy, positive marriage relationship can do wonders for a person—mentally and physically. So, when choosing your marriage partner, remember you are choosing someone, not only to share your life with and create a family with, but also someone who could drastically change your overall health—for better or worse—so be sure to pick someone who makes you happy.