Marriage is beautiful, but did you know that healthy marriage can literally be life-giving? Over 140 studies have confirmed that married people live longer than their single counterparts. Several factors influence this phenomenon, including reduced stress, better support systems, and improved physical and mental health. 

Let’s explore the benefits of marriage and how they relate to a longer and happier life.

Improved Physical, Mental, and Emotional Health

Stress is one of the biggest contributors to poor physical and mental health. Being happily married means that you have a partner to share your burdens, support you, and help alleviate the stressors that are negatively affecting your mind and body. 

Companionship

Humans are social beings. We all have an innate craving for closeness with others because it’s an essential human need. The companionship afforded by marriage directly enhances mental and emotional well-being, allowing us to feel safe, stable, and protected. 

Economics

Married couples are typically more financially stable and prosperous than their single counterparts. Beyond the possibility of supporting a household with dual incomes instead of one, approaching financial goals as a team directly contributes to the likelihood of achieving them. And, let’s not forget shared employment benefits and tax breaks. 

Safe, Regular, and Quality Sex

Science says that committed, monogamous partners have more frequent, safer, and better sex than singles. And the benefits of regular sex? Myriad, including:

• Lower blood pressure
• Improved immune system
• Better heart health
• Improved self-esteem
• Decreased depression and anxiety
• Increased libido
• Immediate, natural pain relief
• Better sleep
• Increased intimacy and closeness to a sexual partner
• Overall stress reduction, both physiologically and emotional (Oregon Health & Science University)

Intimacy

As time passes in committed relationships, emotional closeness, trust, love, and mutual support build. While we have close relationships with family and friends, the degree of intimacy seen in marriage is very challenging to achieve in platonic or non-committed relationships. 

Family

While families come in all shapes and sizes, one thing remains constant – both adults and children flourish when they are part of stable, multigenerational relationships. 

Community

Each partner brings with them their social network, opening up each other to an even greater network of friends and family. From extended family to neighbours, churches, community groups and clubs, these supportive networks would likely not be able to thrive (or exist) without the presence of committed relationships. 

Our marriages are precious and deserve investment.

Take time for your spouse, appreciate and celebrate them, and when you hit an inevitable rough spot and need some help, seek it. Your marriage is worth it.