Love and health may seem like two separate topics, but the truth is that they are intimately connected. Research has shown that the quality of our relationships (romantic, platonic and familial) can have a significant impact on our physical and mental health. The people we choose to surround ourselves with will have a huge impact on the quality of our lives.

It's important to note that not all relationships are healthy or supportive, and being in an unhealthy relationship can actually increase stress levels. If you are experiencing stress in your relationship, it's important to address the underlying issues and seek support from a therapist or counselor.

In this blog post, I’ll explore the surprising connection between love and health and explain how nurturing your relationships can lead you to live to a happier, healthier life.

Here are some physical, emotional health benefits that come with having a secure, loving and healthy relationships.

Secure and healthy relationships are not a one size fits all design. But there are a few hallmarks that can indicate that your relationship with your significant other is, indeed healthy.

When you have a life you love outside of the relationship, still enjoy spending time together, have mutual respect for each other, give and receive strong emotional support and regularly experience new things together, you’re building a strong, relationship that will bear awesome fruits in other areas of your life.

Remember, no relationship is perfect, and there will always be ups and downs — it’s inevitable. However, if you and your partner feel secure and supported in your connection, it's a good indication that you have a strong foundation for a healthy and fulfilling relationship.

Building a healthy relationship with yourself can also improve your mental health. If you regularly spend alone time to reflect and reconnect, you’ll develop a strong sense of self-awareness that can give you insight and perspective when it comes to making decisions and navigating challenges.

Having this groundedness will build your sense of self-worth, self-respect and self-efficacy as you know that you’re equipped and capable to handle whatever that comes your way (even if it means reaching out for help and being resourceful at times). If you love yourself, you will help yourself — and reach out to others that can help you too.

If you have a grounded relationship with yourself, you’re probably taking care of yourself regularly — and this will have a positive impact in your relationships, which has a huge impact on our overall quality of life. With a strong, connected relationship to self — you are more likely to be resilient in the face of stress and adversity, and have a more positive outlook on life.