Quality Of Relationships Impacts Stress Levels

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There is a deep connection between the quality of our relationships and level of stress we experience. Learn more about it.

Stress and relationships

In our series of articles on Stress, specifically Uncovering Systemic Stressors, we explained the importance of healthy relationships, when it comes to immunity and illness.

We all know that feeling lonely and unsupported is difficult to handle, whereas when we are socially active and emotionally supported, our mood picks up.

Research carried out among relatively healthy older men shows a direct connection between the quality of one’s relationships and one’s stress levels.

Men who experienced lower emotional support, had significantly higher levels of stress hormones (cortisol, norepinephrine and epinephrine) as compared to those who received more emotional support.

Reflection

  • How many deep, trusting relationships do you have? Who are the people who are always there for you? Are  you there for them?
  • How healthy are your family relationships? What do you wish was different about your family relationships family?
  • How often do relationship issues cause you stress?
  • What can you do to improve them?

Source

Seeman et al (1994) “Social Ties and Support and Neuroendocrine Function: The MacArthur Studies of Successful Aging” Annals of Behavioral Medicine Vol 16 pp 95-106

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