Why Good Relationships are Essential for Your Mental Wellbeing

If you take a good look at some of the best moments of your life, chances are they involve your dealings with other people. These dealings may have happened in a business environment, social setting, or personal space, but ultimately, relationships play a huge role in virtually every aspect of our daily lives. 

Why is relationship very important?

It has been proven that our desire for relationships is tied to a deep-seated need to belong. But that is not where it ends. Every high-quality relationship has the potential to result in total well being, both mental and physical. The more high-quality relationship a person has, the happier and more productive the person will be. 

As humans, we tend to form relationships with people who share similar values, needs, and aspirations. This is one of the reasons why social media is so successful, because, in social media, there is a chance to make relationships that can be beneficial to mental and emotional wellbeing. 

People in healthy relationships tend to:

• Listen to one another, 
• Communicate openly and without bias,
• Earn the trust and respect of one another,
• Engage in healthy activities together,
• Make time for one another, and
• Be available when needed.

These benefits play a huge role in boosting mental and emotional wellness. 

How do good relationships result in mental wellbeing?

• Reduces stress 

Stress is one of the major causes of mental health problems, because, while it is not an illness in itself, there are strong ties between stress and mental conditions like anxiety, depression, and PSTD. 

When you are in a relationship you enjoy, your body releases less cortisol, the stress hormones. Little wonder happily married couples respond less to physiological stress, as the emotional support that comes from being in a healthy relationship can be a great shield against stress. 

• Helps speed up the healing process

Not many people are aware of the relationship between physical health and mental wellbeing. But patients suffering from chronic or debilitating illnesses also tend to suffer from certain mental health conditions. 

Good relationships help accelerate the healing process of recovering patients. This is why medical experts always encourage patients to seek the support of their friends and family during recuperation. 

So, whether it is having someone check up on you during the day, or a gentle reminder to take your drugs, surrounding yourself with the right people will help you recover from illnesses quickly.  

• Encourages healthy behaviours

When you are surrounded by the right people, you will find it easier to live a healthy life. If your spouse, friends, and co-workers exercise regularly, diet, and avoid harmful habits, chances are you will be encouraged to do the same things. Remember, when you are healthy in your body, you will be healthy in your mind also. 

Your health-conscious friends will also encourage you to invest in private health insurance so that you are well provided for in the event of a health emergency. 

• Longer life

Studies suggest that a healthy social relationship is one of the keys to avoiding an early death. Good relationships have such a profound impact on our everyday lives that there is little or no room for suicidal thoughts, depression, or negative energy. This means a healthy, happier, and fulfilling life. 

So, even if you are introvert or someone who enjoys being alone, go out of your way to make close friends so that you can enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of good relationships.