Valentine’s Day, by Wikipedia’s definition, is named after two among the numerous Early Christian martyrs named Valentine. The day became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. To celebrate the day of amour an exchange of love notes, Valentine’s, are shared amongst lovers. Whether the day of romance takes a hit on your heart or bank account, it never hurts to have a reason to love.
Love has health benefits, both physically and psychologically. Physical contact, such as romantic intimacy or even holding hands, releases the hormone oxytocin . A chemical that creates a feel good sensation that can last for 48 hours in a man and up to 14 days in a woman! Whoa, that’s a long time. Love also has a positive impact on cardiovascular function and improves blood pressure according to an article on MSN Health.com. Couples that are married are reported to having longer, happier lives.
The health benefits of love are fun facts to learn and live by. Did you know that being in love can make you smarter? I had heard this fact but I thought it was because you have to be creative trying to out-wit one another or win a quarrel. The truth is that:
Falling in love induces a calming effect on the body and mind by raising levels of nerve growth for about a year. This hormone-like substance helps to restore the nervous system and improves memory by triggering the growth of new brain cells.
(Sify News 2007.)
Maybe you’re a sucker for love, or perhaps you’d rather have a sucker than be in love. Love isn’t always easy to come by so if you’ve got it cherish it and enjoy the benefits. If you still are waiting for Cupid to strike you with his arrow, don’t be too quick to dodge the dart. -pm