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This is what happens to your body when you fall in love | Lifestyle News

This is what happens to your body when you fall in love | Lifestyle News

Love, that euphoric feeling that can make the world seem brighter and your heart beat faster, is more than just an emotional experience. When Cupid’s arrow strikes, A remarkable chain of physical reactions is set in motion in our body.

From the rush of powerful neurochemicals to changes in heart rate and breathing, falling in love triggers a complex interplay of biological processes.

Gurleen Baruah, organizational psychologist at That Culture Thing, says: “Although the heart is often associated with love, it is actually the brain that orchestrates most change. Our brains release a cocktail of chemicals, including dopamine and oxytocin, that play a critical role in shaping our emotional and physical responses to love, activating areas associated with pleasure and reward.”

this leads to various physical and psychological effectsshe adds, such as increased feelings of pleasure, reduced perception of pain and an increased desire for intimacy with the partner. In addition to these chemical changes, love also manifests itself in physical sensations such as the fluttering of butterflies in the stomach, a lightness in the body and a general feeling of euphoria.

In addition, physical intimacy such as cuddling, hugging and kissing triggers the release of oxytocin, the so-called “love hormone,” which conveys feelings of trust, calm and security.

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How do neurotransmitters and hormones influence our feelings and behavior when we are in love?

When we are in love, says Baruah, neurotransmitters and hormones such as dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin play a crucial role in shaping our feelings and behavior. “Dopamine, often referred to as the ‘feel-good neurotransmitter,’ floods the reward center of our brainwhich leads to an overall improvement in mood and an increased feeling of happiness. This dopamine rush makes us more energetic, motivated and full of joy. We become more focused, determined and eager to pursue exciting activities or goals,” she explains.

Love, Romance Physical intimacy such as cuddling, hugging and kissing triggers the release of oxytocin. (Source: Freepik)

Oxytocin, known as the “love hormone,” promotes feelings of trust, connection and intimacy between partners, adds Baruah. It strengthens the emotional connection we feel with our loved ones and promotes a sense of security and well-being. Oxytocin also promotes caring behaviors such as cuddling, hugging and physical closeness, which further deepens the bond between partners.

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She says: “Serotonin, another neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation, contributes to feelings of happiness, contentment and emotional stability when we are in love. It helps to relieve feelings of anxiety and stresswhich promotes a feeling of calm and relaxation. As a result, we can experience an overall improvement in our mental health and wellbeing.”

Long-term effects of falling in love on health

Baruah points out that being in love can actually have profound long-term health effects, both positive and negative. “On the positive side, being in love promotes a sense of emotional well-being and fulfillment. When we feel understood, validated and loved by our partner, it can lead to a cascade of positive emotions and a release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin and endorphins.” This feeling of acceptance and belonging can contribute to lower stress levelsimproved mental health and increased overall happiness.

In addition, says Baruah, a loving relationship provides us with a supportive environment in which we can freely share our thoughts, feelings and experiences. The emotional support and companionship of a loving partner can contribute to overall well-being and longevity.

However, she says, it is important to acknowledge that being in love can also have its dark sides. Baruah emphasizes: “Sometimes the intense feelings that come with love can lead to a loss of objectivity and an inability to recognize possible warning signs in the relationship.”

In extreme cases, blind love can have negative consequences, such as codependency, isolation from friends and family, or remaining in toxic relationships. “It is crucial to maintain a balance between the positive aspects of love and a realistic assessment of relationship dynamics to ensure that one’s health and well-being are not compromised,” Baruah mentions.