When we daydream about getting married, we think about a lot of amazing benefits: enjoying companionship in new life adventures, having someone to lean on through hard moments, getting the opportunity to start creating a family with your significant other, and many more. However, there are some really incredible emotional and health benefits to being married that many of us don’t even know.

These emotional and health benefits might not be well known, but they can improve our lives directly and significantly. It’s worth keeping these remarkable pluses in mind to remember just how much your marriage can give to you and how important it is to take care of yourself and your feelings. Below are 3 benefits to being married you may not know about:

1. Being in a better mood

Photo credit: Justin Demutiis 

Although a good mood depends on many different things, research has actually shown that being married actually improves our moods overall.

How is this possible? According to studies, married couples experience higher levels of serotonin, a major neurotransmitter created in people’s bodies which controls mood. In fact, serotonin is such a powerful thing that increased levels of it are also thought to lower levels of anger, depression, and anxiety. This is the same stuff that’s in effect when you are calming down and relaxing on your wedding day.

This effect likely comes from the affection, companionship, and stability we get from our significant other. Whether it’s coming home after a frustrating day at work and having someone to talk to about it, or knowing that in the coming weekend you have a nice relaxing date night, your relationship can certainly help you relax. The exact explanation for this little-known mood benefit could be several other things, but regardless the results are quite amazing- married life actually lifts your mood!

2. Being Less Likely to Become Depressed

Photo credit: One Love Photo

Very much related to the improvements in mood associated with being married, having a long-term significant other can actually reduce the chance of developing depression. As you may have guessed, the same neurotransmitter that regulates mood, serotonin, is also known to decrease the chance of becoming depressed, suffering from anxiety, and having high levels of stress.

Sounds too good to be true? Having a lower chance of depression actually makes sense even in a non-sciencey way. When you have a significant other, you are more likely to have someone to talk to about your issues and emotions. For example, after a fight with a sibling or dealing with divorced parents around the wedding it can make a big difference to be able to tell someone that cares your side of the story. Perhaps even more important, when you are having feelings of self-doubt and judgement, having someone you can talk through these thoughts with can truly turn them from seeming like huge issues to seeming small and insignificant.

All in all, being able to express your emotions to someone you feel close to goes a long way to clearing your head and feeling connected.

3. Living a Longer Life!

Photo credit: Faith Convenant

It’s truly incredible what effects your emotional health can have on your physical health. You may have been aware of this when trying to find ways to stay calm during your wedding day. According to studies, couples in committed marriages actually live longer lives than people who are not, like those who are divorced or single.

The reason for this relates to the two items above. Being in a committed marriage gives each person an emotional support system that makes them feel wanted, cared for, and understood. For example, even when you face a nasty rejection from a stranger, you can think back to your relationship and remember that there is someone that does know you and loves you for who you are.

Having a safe place to express emotions reduces stress. Stress is known to cause a myriad of health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Avoiding these health problems can literally give you a longer and happier life.

Photo credit: Dasha Caffrey

Marriage comes with a lot of ups and downs. Knowing some of the remarkable emotional and health benefits of being in a committed marriage can help you get a broader perspective of what you are gaining, even when times are tough.

It is important to remember that your emotions can truly impact your health, so make sure to take care of yourself and listen to your body and your mind. Of course, there are many other ways to relax, connect with others, and lift your mood, but it’s just nice to know that your significant other is a great option!