Shiny red love balloons and overpriced meal deals hitting the shops can mean only one thing – it’s Valentine’s Day. It’s a time many single people dread, as they endure loved-up couples gushing on social media.
Beyond the clichés, being single on Valentine’s Day can stir up real feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially for those longing to be in a relationship or feeling pressure to be partnered.
It doesn’t help that studies show being single can negatively affect your health. This is because the simple act of physical touch has proven health benefits. Kissing, hugging and having sex boost the ‘cuddle chemical’ oxytocin, which lowers the stress hormone cortisol while upping the happy hormone dopamine. It also reduces inflammation in the heart and, according to one study, lowers cholesterol.
Conversely, those deprived of affection can be more susceptible to secondary immune disorders, depression and other mood disorders, according to Kory Floyd, professor of communication at the University of Arizona in Tucson.
It’s now even thought that you can die of a broken heart. ‘Takotsubo cardiomyopathy’ or broken heart syndrome occurs when a shock, such as the death of a loved one, causes a surge of adrenaline to shut down the left heart ventricle. Affecting around 2,500 mainly women in the UK each year, one in 20 cases are fatal.
Thankfully, such extremes are rare, but the negative impact on mental health of unwanted singledom is all too common, says psychotherapist and anxiety expert Kamalyn Kaur. “Social media, TV and adverts place a large focus on romantic love, which can make single people feel excluded,” she says.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. There are benefits to staying footloose and fancy-free.
Denne historien er fra February 12, 2024-utgaven av OK! UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 12, 2024-utgaven av OK! UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Savoury saviours
Get ahead with simple spicy suppers from Nadiya Hussain
RECIPES FOR SUCCESS - I want to share the way I cook and the way I eat'
Chef Nadiya Hussain on the money-saving cooking tips and vital life skills that she teaches her children.
THE WILD ONE - Nobody tried to change me that was who I am
Rock star Suzi Quatro on leading the way for women, being true to herself and her 60th anniversary tour
CELEBRITIES PUT ON THE GLITZ FOR TV'S BIGGEST NIGHT
Famous faces gathered at the National Television Awards last week to celebrate the best of Britain's TV talent
IN THE PINK - I feel like myself again now I'm back in the Strictly family'
After documenting her brutal cancer journey, Strictly favourite Amy Dowden shares her joy at returning to the dance floor
STYLE COUNSEL - My friendships are one of my greatest successes'
As stylist Gok Wan celebrates his milestone birthday, he reflects on his personal losses, biggest achievements and plans for the future
STEP BACK IN TIME - STARS ENJOY A DAY AT THE RACES
A host of celebrities attended the Goodwood Revival festival last week to see the classic cars and fabulous retro fashions
GOOD CLEAN FUN - 'I really like to organise things I find it therapeutic'
Sort Your Life Out presenter Stacey Solomon on how tidying up helps her shut out anxious thoughts, the reason she only shares happy memories on social media, and why it's husband Joe Swash who puts out the bins
SHINING BRIGHT - KATE'S MESSAGE OF HOPE
Her emotional health update video made it clear that the Princess of Wales' family comes first, says former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond.
My family will always be my main priority'
Model and actress Caprice invites OK! into her stylish home to talk about fame and why nothing beats being with her kids.