Isn’t love good for us? When we fall in love and experience affection, we get a surge of oxytocin, the love hormone. People who are in love have better mental health too! Love can be healthy, but that’s only part of the picture. Sometimes, romance or the pursuit of romance can harm your health. So, is your love life causing you to have health issues? Let’s talk about it!
Dating And Your Health – What Can Go Wrong?
Take an honest assessment of your dating life and see if these potential issues apply to your situation.
Increased Anxiety Levels And Stress
If things are rocky, you’re going to be dealing with stress and anxiety. That may come from:
- Fear of re-entering the world of dating
- Commitment phobia
- Relationship conflicts
- Pressure and judgments from friends or family
What you may not realize is that you may feel anxious and stressed out even when things are going well. Falling in love is a wonderful, but stressful thing. You’re going to be dealing with a lot of emotions and hormones.
Ongoing Sense of Isolation
Nobody has a perfect romantic life. You may experience rejection, or simply take a long time to find the right person to date. During this time you feel a deep sense of loneliness and isolation. Yes, that’s temporary, but it’s still painful.
Poor Eating And Drinking Habits
You’ve jumped into dating with both feet, and it’s been amazing! You’re going out with amazing people, eating at great restaurants, dancing the night away at the hottest nightclubs in town, and generally indulging yourself.
But, how is all of that celebratory eating and drinking affecting your health? Does it conflict with your personal wellness goals?
Lack of Sleep And Decreased Energy
It isn’t just food and drink that might have you poorly. Those late nights out, restless nights dealing with romantic angst, and busy schedule may cause you to sleep less. You may find yourself dragging, relying on caffeine to function, and struggling to focus.
How Can You Maintain Your Health While Dating
Good news! There are steps you can take to stop on top of your health no matter where you are in your dating journey.
Suggest Healthier Activities
Your dates don’t have to revolve around eating rich foods, drinking, and staying out all night. Suggest something better for both of you. There are a number of fun couple’s activities like:
- Hiking
- Taking a walking tour of the city
- Playing pickleball
- Going on a bike ride
You could also try more afternoon and early evening dates when you’re less likely to overdo it.
It helps to connect with people who have similar values and goals as you. Dating apps can help, because you can state your preferences upfront. Check out bisexual dating options to find someone who enjoys physical fitness and shares your goals.
Be Open About Your Needs
Healthy relationships are all about open communication. You should be able to talk to the person you’re dating about your mental health, when you need space, or when you simply want to make healthier choices.
Also, be respectful of their healthy choices too. Most of us have people in our lives who tell us that it’s okay to skip the workout or go on too little sleep just to have a night of fun. Be the one who encourages your friends and lovers to take better care of themselves.
Final: Leave Time For Yourself
You can’t be a good partner when you don’t take care of yourself. Romance is great, but leave time in your schedule for self-care, time with friends, exercise, and sleep!
