NGU Skyliner

Jennifer Rogers
Guest Writer

Everyone has heard about the roles of exercise and proper nutrition in improving health. However, personal relationships can affect our physical health as well.  

With the passing of Valentine’s Day, it is a good time to reflect on our personal relationships. Good relationships are essential to our happiness and well-being. 

Scientists have long since proven that love gives us health benefits, too. Researchers can not explain exactly what causes romantic love, an affectionate family, or warm friendships to flourish when it comes to physical wellness. But they are finding how friendship and caring all seem to make us stronger and contribute to health gains that range from faster healing and better control over chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, and cancer, to just plain living longer. 

Healthy relationships are characterized by love, trust, respect, open communication and shared responsibility. The dynamics of honesty, accountability, realistic  expectations and friendship are ever present in a wonderful, supportive relationship. 

Healthy relationships are not limited to marriage and dating. They also include friendships, family and even pets. These relationships are directly related to improved states of overall health by enriching cognitive functioning and longevity.

Here are four ways to truly connect with others:

• Listen. Pay attention to verbal and nonverbal cues.

• Connect. Be honest with yourself and the other person. Think about your relationship and ask questions.

• Evaluate your Expectations. Communicate your needs and what you wish to happen in the future.

• Invest. Really get to know your friend or partner. Be attentive to what’s happening in their lives.

This week, try these four small things and notice big differences in your physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

Quote of the month:

“How lucky I am to have found something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” (from the movie Annie)

Tags: Spring 2009, Vol. 108 Spring - Issue 4

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 18th, 2009 and is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.