Love is a complicated concept. It can be an emotion, a state of being, a choice, and a gift. It can also be temporary and heartbreaking.
Love can feel all-encompassing and overwhelming. It can inspire selfless actions. It can help you to grow as a person and to try new things. It can even be what motivates you to find help for a mental health symptom. If you love someone, you may be more willing to do things that you wouldn’t have done on your own. This can include activities like watching their favorite movies, going on trips, or trying their hobbies.
Many studies have shown that people who are in romantic love tend to live longer than those who aren’t. This is likely due to the fact that being in a relationship can boost your immune system and lower your stress levels. In addition, the endorphins that are released when you are in love can have painkilling effects.
In one study, researchers put 37 people who were madly in love into an MRI scanner. They found that when people are in love, activity increases in the caudate nucleus, which is part of the brain’s reward system. Additionally, the ventral tegmental area of the brain (an ancient reptilian core) lights up when people are in love.
People who practice unconditional love for themselves and others have the potential to make a positive difference in the world. Think of the selfless actions of people such as Martin Luther King Jr, Mahatma Gandhi, Maya Angelou, or Oprah Winfrey.