EDITOR’S NOTE: Welcome our newest columnist! Jan Boal, RN is devoted to holistic care options for physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. Jan offers Virtual & In-Person Cannabis Nurse Services as well as Empowering Coaching Services.
By Jan Boal, RN, CCN
Let us take a look at how love can affect our health. As the song goes “Love is a many splendid thing!” Love is one of the most powerful forces on this planet, maybe even the Universe. This is actually proven by the force of it’s vibrational frequency as everything on this planet has an energy frequency. Think of all the stories, songs, poems inspired by love. It is a basic need and so much more. Without it we do not thrive, or not very well anyway, some even becoming in medical terms, “A failure to thrive.” This highly charged energy gives us super powers, “love conquers all.” The ability to fight for or against all obstacles that stand in the way of us obtaining love or protecting a loved one.
This powerhouse drug leaves us wanting more and more because it feels so good to love. Whether it be it for our pet, our baby, our partner or dearest friend. Do you know that love has significant health benefits besides just leaving us feeling good?
A smile, a touch, a kiss or a baby’s gaze can lead to an increase in our dopamine level, the feel good chemical, neurotransmitter in our brain. When we first fall in love our dopamine levels increase significantly. 
A hug which lasts 20 seconds can increase our oxytocin. This is the bonding drug which what mothers feel after giving birth. This chemical results in improved mood and energy, blood circulation, a smile on our face, a spring in our step. On the other end are the cortisol levels ; adrenaline and norepinephrine can decrease resulting in lowering blood pressure. Those who experience much love in their life will receive proven health benefits.
Power health benefits
- Fewer doctor visits
- Less Depression and Substance abuse
- Lower blood pressure
- Less Anxiety
- Natural pain control
- Better stress management
- Fewer colds
- Faster healing
Not a bad deal eh!? Let’s all feel better by telling our loved ones daily how much they mean to you, that’s two benefits for the price of one! Hard to pass up a win win or a good bargain.
Forgiveness is a love for ourselves. Not to carry around this poison of anger or even hate will do wonders for our mental outlook as well as our physical health. It will lead to have the opposite effect on us that love gives us. Forgiving is not forgetting. It is caring more about ourself, letting go of the poison that pollutes us and those who interact with us as well. Be kind and generous to one another. This is love in action for ourself and our community.
A long hug once a day is so good for us! So lets start hugging and get healthier!
How do we love? With open hands and compassion, with no expectation, resulting in no suffering.
-Buddha
Like what you read or have any type of health question, please feel free to contact Jan at:
janboal0606@gmail.com
Positive Vibes Holistic Health
www.janboal.com