Boost Your NAD
It’s Valentine’s Day, and whether you choose celebrate or believe it’s just a Hallmark holiday that’s not worth the time, it’s a day that is meant to remind us to ‘love’.
Love, whether romantic, platonic, familial, or self-love, has a profound effect on our heart, emotionally and physically. The more we learn about health, the more we learn that the physical and mental are connected. Scientific studies show that love contributes to our overall well-being. Here are just some of the ways:
- Reduces stress and lowers cortisol levels. The action and thoughts of love trigger the release of oxytocin, which helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that people in loving relationships have lower cortisol levels which reduces inflammation and risk of heart disease. Hugging someone alone can lower blood pressure and heart rate. If you don’t consider yourself much of a hugger, you might want to consider trying it.
- Strengthens the heart. Positive relationships are linked to better heart health and lower risk of heart disease. Think about it. When you have a supportive partner, they tend to encourage healthier habits in our diet, our exercise and activity levels, and in our choices.
- Improves mental health through emotional security, reducing any feelings of lonliness or depression. When you feel loved, your loved one can be traveling or spending time away from you, but those feelings of love help you to feel secure and balanced.
- Emotional resilience. When you feel loved or supported, emotional challenges usually are easier to manage. We are able to better cope with things that would otherwise seem unimaginable to manage if you were facing it alone. Even though you may be working through it without someone specifically helping you, knowing they support you is just what you need to help you get through it. It helps you to navigate grief, trauma and setbacks with a stronger sense of hope.
- Self-love builds the foundation for emotional care. When you care for yourself, you improve your mental health and heart health. Self-care comes from learning about yourself and your needs, so that you can tend to yourself before giving to others. Setting boundaries, prioritizing your own time and energy, allows you to be there for others and maintain a healthy balance for your and your relationships.
Keep in mind that love in any form is healthy, nurturing your heart emotionally and physically. Love is an action, so being kind to yourself and kind to others with affection, gratitude and meaningful connection is key to keeping love in your life and maintaining a healthy heart.
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