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based on what we have experienced and encountered throughout life . But regardless of how people fall in love , or the types of love one feels , Dr . Taylor says the emotional experience draws us out of ourselves and into another , which can be very beneficial to our health .
“ It releases hormones that calm us down , that make us feel relaxed and makes us feel like we are not being threatened . So , our stress hormone levels lower , and when our stress hormone levels are lower , our bodies are in better condition .”
For example , Dr . Taylor says real life events at an orphanage in eastern Europe showed that babies who lacked affection and physical touch failed to thrive , even though their basic nutritional needs were met . “ There ’ s absolutely a real reason for us to believe that love is good for our health in that it keeps us alive .”
Even after decades of research , there are so many things about love that remain a mystery .
“ Psychoanalysts have spent over 100 years writing about it in one way or another and saying something here and there that ’ s meaningful about it , but none of them is really explaining it to the core ,” Dr . Taylor says .
One thing we do know is that love can bring about so many positive outcomes when it comes to both our physical and mental well-being . So , when you ’ re caring for your patients , remember to include kindness and compassion .
“ Caring for someone is a demonstration of love and showing somebody that you care about them ,” Dr . Taylor says . “ As I ’ ve heard my patients say , ‘ I feel better just talking to you .’ Well , I haven ’ t written a prescription , but I think that what they ’ re experiencing in that moment is something about caring . They are feeling better just because they ’ ve been cared for .”
It ’ s just further proof that love is a universal medicine that doesn ’ t come in pill form .
Kristen Shanahan is currently serving as the Public Information Officer at the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness . Kristen is a seasoned television journalist who also previously worked at UofL Health ’ s Department of Marketing and Communications . ( non-member )
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