What exactly is the power of love when it comes to health and healing?

This blog was updated June 2024

Maya Angelou said, “Love has no barriers,” and William Shakespeare noted, “If music be the food of love, play on.”

We know that love is one of the greatest feelings on earth–it’s reflected in poetry, movies, songs and the smiles of those dearest to you. 

But what does love have to do with healing? Is there a connection between love and health? Does loving others translate into a longer life? CMC Primary Care gets us to the heart of the matter.

Love and Health: A Powerful Connection Supported By Science

Hugs Raise Oxytocin Levels

When was the last time you experienced a warm embrace?  Not only can a hug provide the emotional support you need, but it can also lower blood pressure and raise levels of oxytocin, a hormone that plays a role in social bonding.  

In fact, the connection between love and health is backed by science.

A recent study of premenopausal women published by the Journal of Biological Psychology found that frequent hugs between women and their partners did just that. It can also lower blood pressure and raise levels of oxytocin, a hormone that plays a role in social bonding.

Oxytocin, also known as the love hormone, is associated with empathy, trust, and relationship building. 

You Don’t Have to Be in a Relationship 

But what if you’re single or it’s been a while since you had a date? Love comes in all forms. It doesn’t matter whether you are married or single, young, or old, everyone can benefit from giving and receiving love.  

Harvard scientists studying social connections determined that positive interactions provided several benefits, including:

• Relieving harmful stress levels (which can impact your arteries)
• Improving gut function
• Regulating your insulin
• Boosting your immune system

What If I Have Difficulty Making Connections?

If meeting new people causes you to be anxious or stressed, you’re not alone. You can still reap the benefits of love and health.  If you feel isolated or unable to connect, consider joining a new activity, social club, or support group to get out of your comfort zone and meet others.  

If stress or anxiety makes meeting others or connecting with others difficult, consider talking with your primary care doctor about your concerns.

Love and Health Includes Your Mental Health

We now know that love can help our physical health but what about our mental health?  

Having healthy and loving relationships with others can have a big impact on your self-worth and self-esteem. 

In so many ways, good mental health is just as important as physical health, and young adults and adolescents face particular challenges. They’re often in new social environments where they are always compared to others—and this can easily become overwhelming. 

Feeling loved and valued by others helps to promote:

• Healthier lifestyle choices
• Good self-esteem
• Reduces stress
• Provides better lifelong mental health
• A strong sense of self-worth
• Healthier relationships

Loving Yourself Helps You Love Others

You may have heard the saying “You need to learn to love yourself before you can love others?”  Though it may seem like a line in a romantic comedy, it holds a lot of truth. 

 Learning to love yourself can lead to a positive sense of self-worth resulting in stronger relationships and better decision making.  

What are some ways you can learn to love yourself?  Creating a self-care routine is a great start! The following activities can fill your emotional tank:

• Yoga
• A walk on Myrtle Beach
• A lot bath
• A gratitude journal

Another way we can practice self-love and self-care is by using positive self-talk.  We all have that little voice in our heads that can tell us we aren’t worthy.  Quiet that voice by practicing daily affirmations via your inner voice.  “I am smart, I am worthy, I am capable.” 

Are There Other Ways I Can Receive Love?

Where else can you receive love?  Volunteering can be a wonderful way to add more love to your life!  Whether it be at your local humane society, your child’s school, church–or our favorite–your local hospital, giving freely of one’s time can have lasting effects. Often, the one doing the giving is the one receiving the biggest gift of all.

Volunteering Also Has Health Benefits

As we mentioned earlier, volunteering is a great way to both receive and give love. According to the Mayo Clinic, not only do volunteers tend to have better physical health, but studies demonstrate that volunteering also lowers rates of depression and anxiety. 

The reason behind these positive, relaxed feelings is dopamine. Dopamine is known as the “feel good” hormone, and it’s released when you’re volunteering to help others. 

Looking for volunteer opportunities? Try helping out at:

• The local Humane Society
• Your child’s school
• Your church or house of worship
• Your local homeless shelter

…and of course, our favorite—your local hospital.

Check out the numerous, rewarding volunteer opportunities at CMC. [link to: https://www.conwaymedicalcenter.com/volunteer_at_cmc/ ] 

Conway Medical Center: Serving the Community (With Love) for Almost 100 Years

We understand there’s an important connection between love and health—and we love our community and want to see its residents live happy, healthy lives. As South Carolina’s highly-rated medical provider, our service to Horry County and beyond has been our tradition of excellence for more than 90 years.

When was the last time you had a yearly physical? Are you looking for a primary care provider in Horry County accepting new patients? If so, just contact us. We would love to be your healthcare home!

The information in this article and the other articles on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your healthcare provider.