8 Benefits Of Marriage Can Be Yours

If you’re in a relationship or married, have you ever have that day or that argument that leaves you secretly thinking, “I wish that I was single?” It’s normal, don’t worry! Marriage is full of peaks and valleys. But overall, those who are married report more satisfaction in life, greater feelings of security, and have better health outcomes and quality of life. If you’re keen to learn about the benefits of marriage, there are just a few for you!

So, if you’re sitting around envying your single friends who are constantly going out on exciting dates and meeting new people, take heart. The grass always seems greener on the other side. But scientific research concludes that the grass really is greener for those who are in stable relationships and have made the commitment to love each other forever.

# Marriage may contribute to a longer life

An abundance of studies continually came to the same conclusion: those who are married live longer than those who live unmarried throughout life. When you adjust for all other factors, the trend can be seen in every race and across many different cultures. Moreover, it doesn’t matter what type of things that people die from. Those who are unmarried have a shorter life expectancy, regardless of their gender or ethnicity.

# You have a better standard of living

By staying together, you don’t suffer the hardships of splitting expenses, households, and dividing things in two. There are those who believe that the reason for the discrepancy in benefits to being married versus unmarried is due to a better standard of living for those who stay together. Hopeless romantics choose to believe that love saves all. Two are always much stronger than one when dealing with life situations.

# Married people are healthier

There are an abundance of different ways that staying a couple increases your physical health and wellbeing. When you live with someone, they are more likely to notice subtle differences about you, which you may not even notice yourself. Thus, they can encourage you to seek medical attention far more quickly. The physical benefits are not just for acute illnesses like cold and flu, but for chronic disease prevention, such as diabetes and cancer.

# Married people engage in fewer risky behaviors

Married people are also less likely to engage in risky behaviors. Worrying about how their behaviors will affect their spouse, they tend to tone it down a bit. They drink less, they eat better, and they recover quicker from illnesses because they take the time to allow their bodies to heal. Sometimes, two people caring for each other is more powerful than just one. In that case, yo may be tempted to just ignore it and carry on.

# Guys, the benefits apply to you too

When you compare the health benefits for a married man versus an unmarried man, the picture increases significantly. Even if men like to paint their wives as nags who are always on them about something, their wives are actually doing things out of love that may be saving their lives.

Research indicates that it isn’t just about getting married. A man who is in a committed relationship benefits from pairing with a woman.

# Emotional support is key

Studies continually show that people who feel a sense of community and emotional support from those around them have better health outcomes. This is compared to those who feel emotionally isolated. Being a couple means that you have someone to lean on when you need support.

Emotional support can be a buffer not only against mental health issues but against physical health issues too. Studies have shown that your marital status is relative to your immune system function. It may help to curb chronic disease. Protecting you from stress, which is a major contributor to illness, having someone to talk to, vent to, and help with your conflict resolution can all promote more health benefits. You’re more likely to grab these when married than when being alone.

# Mental health improvement and marriage

Let’s highlight the mental health benefits a bit more. A landmark study in 1991 concluded that being married decreases the likelihood of experiencing major depression or psychiatric disorders, compared to those who are not married. Apparently, vows are more than just words—they are the cement that helps a married couple build a healthier life for both members.

The most shocking finding is that those who go through a divorce or separation instead of choosing to work it out are more prone to depression and mental illness. The additional stress of a divorce is enough to result in the poorest mental outcomes. Even those who reported that they were unhappy in their marriage faired better mentally than those who had chosen to end the relationship.

# Self-reported happiness and sexual fulfillment

On average, people who are married report being happier than those who are single. Being married makes people feel more satisfied with life than those who choose to stay single. Couples who are in a functional relationship also report being more sexually active. That comes with its own set of benefits.

A healthy sex life results in less illness, a decrease in chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular health, diabetes, and cancer, and it also helps to boost your mental status. Those who have a healthy sex life gain additional benefits over those who have sex outside of marriage, or one-night stands. They may feel fantastic temporarily, but the long-term effects of a casual sexual encounter can’t touch the benefits of being in a marriage.