Think Well
Article

Try a little romance to warm the soul Perform an internet search for 'love' and you'll be presented with more than a billion results. Clearly it is not, as Tennessee Williams once labelled it, "just another four-letter word". In fact, the whole world seems to be preoccupied with it, whether it's how to get it in the first place or how to keep it.

However, there may be a good reason for this, because love in all its forms can actually increase your mental wellbeing and warm your soul. Defined as "the emotion of strong affection and personal attachment" by the Oxford English Dictionary, love isn't simply about red roses and walks on the beach with a partner - it can incorporate the feelings we have for our friends and family too.

This may sound a little airy-fairy, but the NHS Choices website cites evidence from various studies which show that connecting in a positive way with our favourite people can boost wellbeing and therefore improve our health. For instance, giving someone a big hug can lower blood pressure, slow down heart rates and reduce stress. Holding hands with a partner also has similar results.

The NHS also presents a study which showed that those with a solid network of friends live longer than people who have fewer close pals or are more isolated. And it isn't just friends and families either - research that looked at a group of nuns discovered that many lived actively well into their nineties as a result of their network of like-minded sisters and perception of love from God.

However, if you are in a relationship, it's important not to take love for granted, as this can actually have detrimental effects on your wellbeing. Dr Raj Persaud, author of Simply Irresistible, the Psychology of Seduction, told the Independent that being in a relationship with the wrong person or someone you no longer feel connected with can leave you unfulfilled. But being happily married or cohabiting with someone you care deeply for can prevent depression, give you a more positive outlook and help you to live longer.

Relationship psychologist Susan Quilliam told All About You that you can bring romance into your everyday life, no matter how long you've been together. "You may not get the same thrill or sense of novelty any more, but what you do get is a much deeper sense of romance that comes from really knowing your partner, appreciating them and being appreciated yourself," she commented. The website also recommended taking time to talk and laugh to boost romance, as well as taking up shared hobbies such as ballroom dancing.

So, whether you're giggling over a pizza with friends, taking a trip out with your mum or enjoying a glass of wine with your partner, you'll find Wet Wet Wet were right - Love is all around, and it's sure to make you feel happier!