This story begins in a classroom. I was taking a course on interpersonal communication and well-being, in which we discussed how communication in our relationships has measurable and substantial impacts on our health. That’s not limited to our relationship’s health! It also means physiological and mental health as well.
We were looking at a body of research that explored how expressing affection in our relationships has statistically significant impacts on each of these areas of health. Study after study after study has consistently—and impressively—found support for how even minor affectionate exchanges can have actual, measurable impacts on our physical and relational health.
In some cases, the results are so incredible it almost defies reality! To me, it seemed almost too good to be true. How is it, as one study showed, that writing a brief letter to a loved one can reduce your cholesterol?
The more I looked into the topic, the more frustrated I became. How is it that this simple interpersonal behavior can have such consistent, significant impacts on our bodies? And what does that mean for our relationships?
How do we express affection?
First, let’s step back a bit, and define what “expressing affection” actually means. There are three primary categories for how people express affection that researchers have identified:
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Verbally: These are the ways in which we directly express to our partner how much we love, care and appreciate them. Verbal affection can be expressed face-to-face, over the phone or through written means such as through text, email or a letter.
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Non-verbally: These are gestures or touches that are meant to express those same sentiments of love and care toward our partner. For example, these behaviors include hugs, holding hands and smiling.
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Indirect Tasks: These are overt methods for expressing love, care and appreciation for our partner, such as through cooking or spending time together.
In a study published this year, researchers asked Americans how they specifically express affection in their relationships. The most common answers were through verbal messages, physical touching, complementing and listening to their partner. They also reported helping their partner complete tasks, spending time together, cooking, talking to one another or flirting with them.
Related: 5 ways we can support our partners
Affection Exchange Theory
OK, so now that we know how we express affection, let’s talk a little about why we express affection.
One theory about affection posits that the act of expressing affection is a biological imperative. We as a human species are driven to express affection to more effectively maintain our romantic relationships in an effort to facilitate the continuation of our species. In other words, we do it so we can make babies!
Each person has a particular tolerance for the amount of affection they like to give and receive. Receiving too much or too little affection can have negative consequences for building a relationship. Naturally, increasing affectionate communication in our relationships has measurable impacts on our relationship satisfaction, which includes everything from satisfaction with the communication we have with our partner to feelings of love and closeness with our partner.
But the act of expression affection has also been found to improve mental well-being, cardiovascular health, metabolic health, sleep health and stress reactivity.
One research study in particular examined how the amount of affection expressed in a person’s most affectionate relationship may affect their ability to cope with and recover from a stressful event. Participants took part in several purposefully stressful rounds of difficult oral math and logic problem sets for approximately 40 minutes to elevate their heart rate and promote the release of cortisol, a stress hormone. Individual survey responses about the amount and types of affectionate communication in their relationship were linked to their biological recovery processes after this stressful experience. Affectionate communication positively impacted people’s ability to regulate their heart rate after a stressful event. It also positively impacted their stress hormone recovery process.
Another study took an inventory of people’s overall well-being, in their mental, physical and relational health, and their perception of being deprived of affection. When we experience a lack of affectionate communication in our relationships, this study found there are significant impacts on feelings of loneliness, depression, anxiety, physical pain, poor sleep health and more.
Related: The myth of love languages
These studies are just a few examples. Here are some other specific outcomes for particular affectionate exchanges:
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Increased instances of hugging over a two-week period can improve markers of inflammation. It can also decrease experienced symptoms after exposure to the common cold or flu.
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Cuddling with a romantic partner for 30-45 minutes can improve perceptions of relationship satisfaction.
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Kissing your partner more often for a six-week period of time can improve your cholesterol, relationship satisfaction and stress.
What does this mean for your relationships?
So, what should we be learning from all of this? To me, the most interesting takeaway from this entire body of research is that the benefits of affection are most prominent for the person expressing that affection! The act of showing affection to your partner or another loved one has significant and somewhat immediate health benefits.
Whether you’re in a romantic relationship right now or not, find ways to express affection to your loved ones, friends, and family. Take the time to share with your partner or friends what they mean to you. Maybe write them a note telling them what you love and appreciate about them! Your partner will appreciate hearing it, and you’ll probably feel better, physically and mentally, for having done it!
All content here is for informational purposes only. This content does not replace the professional judgment of your own mental health provider. Please consult a licensed mental health professional for all individual questions and issues.
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This article
originally appeared on QuickAndDirtyTips.com and was
syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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Romantic train rides everyone should take at least once
Train travel evokes a sense of wonder and nostalgia often unmatched by other forms of modern transportation. Flying is amazing, but you’re thousands of feet in the sky, far away from the land below. Driving is helpful for stopping as you please, but you’re focused on the road, unable to fully share in the passing scenery.
On a train ride, you simply sit back and enjoy the landscapes as they roll by. It’s a step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life because the experience receives your full attention.
You don’t typically choose to ride a train because it’s the most convenient or affordable option (in many cases it’s not), but because you want a unique and memorable experience.
If you want to enjoy one of these 15 scenic train rides, it will likely take some planning. But it is indeed possible to take your dream trip without creating debt.
After the list of epic rail journeys, we’ve shared a list of money moves you can make in preparation for future train travel. Applying these tips could help you achieve the financial freedom you need to take one of these incredible train rides.
Thomas De Wever/ istockphoto
The Inca Rail First Class train isn’t the only way to make it to Machu Picchu, Peru, but it’s one of the best. Large, comfortable seats and massive windows help you relax and enjoy the ride from the town of Ollantaytambo to the town of Aguas Calientes, at the base of Machu Picchu.
Of course, to even get to this point of your journey, you’ve likely already passed through the ancient Incan capital of Cusco and the beautiful Sacred Valley region.
This train ride helps to build the anticipation even more as one of the final steps before seeing Machu Picchu for yourself. Heading into the Andean jungle while following the Urubamba River is a great precursor to the big event up in the mountains.
In addition, Inca Rail First Class passengers are provided with meal service and drinks during the nearly two-hour train ride.
David Almeida /Wikimedia Commons
Upstate New York is an ideal destination for immersing yourself in beautiful foliage and visiting quaint towns and villages seemingly untouched by time. The Adirondack Mountains provide the perfect backdrop for a train ride along the Adirondack Scenic Railroad.
Choose from one-way or round-trip itineraries between Utica and Thendara (Old Forge) and enjoy train travel through lush forests and over multiple rivers and streams. A one-way journey takes about 2.5 hours, whereas a round trip takes about 4.5 hours. Be sure to include time in your itinerary to visit and explore the Old Forge area if you want a true upstate New York experience.
André Carrotflower / Wikimedia Commons
If cross-country train trips are your thing, add the California Zephyr ride to your bucket list. This train journey, operated by Amtrak, runs from Chicago, Illinois, to Emeryville (San Francisco), California, and takes more than 50 hours to complete.
The itinerary also includes stops along the way in Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. It’s possible to create a customized itinerary for part of the journey, like jumping on in Denver, Colorado, and getting off in Reno, Nevada.
Many of the scenic highlights include mountain ranges like the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevadas. Near the end of your journey you’ll also be able to see the San Pablo Bay and Carquinez Strait.
Archan Das/ Wikimedia Commons
The Pacific Surfliner, also operated by Amtrak, offers a stunning train journey along 351 miles of California’s Pacific coastline from San Luis Obispo to San Diego. Take your time to enjoy views of pristine beaches and rolling green hills from the comfort of your reclining seat.
Potential stops to visit along the way include Grover Beach, Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Los Angeles and Anaheim. Each destination has its own range of activities and highlights. The beach is located just two blocks from the Santa Barbara rail station or you could head to the Channel Islands National Park from Oxnard.
Thomas De Wever/ istockphoto
If you’ve seen photos of passengers hanging out of a blue train surrounded by dense, green foliage, you’ve likely seen the Sri Lanka Railways journey from Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka.
Although it may not be recommended to hang from objects moving at high speeds, you wouldn’t want to miss the views on this train ride between the central city of Kandy and the small southern town of Ella.
The ride takes about seven hours and offers views of tea plantations, green hills, bridges and villages. It’s recommended not to book first class tickets for your itinerary, as you won’t have the experience of mingling with the locals and having open windows.
Michele Ricucci/ istockphoto
The Jacobite steam train is run by West Coast Railways, an independent train operating company based out of Lancashire, England. This train ride takes you on an 84-mile round-trip journey between Fort William and Mallaig in the Scottish Highlands.
The Scottish Highlands are a global destination known for their impressive natural beauty, including striking lochs and windswept hills. However, The Jacobite train in particular is famous for its starring role as The Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films.
For the full magical experience, book a first class “HP” compartment carriage for your own private compartment with a large viewing window. This will help you take in the sights, including the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Richard-P-Long/ istockphoto
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, operated by Belmond, offers modern luxury travelers the opportunity to experience a journey reminiscent of famous train rides of the past.
This train can take you through many popular European cities, though it depends on which booking you select. London, England, to Venice, Italy, is a classic route, but you may prefer Paris, France, to Venice or Paris to Verona, Italy.
Whichever route you select, you’ll enjoy panoramic scenes of lush vineyards and mountain landscapes as you travel through Western Europe. You’ll pay more for this luxury experience, but getting to take in the scenery from your own private cabin might be well worth the cost.
bizoo_n/ istockphoto
For a shorter train journey with unbelievable views, consider a ride with Snowdon Mountain Railway in Wales. A small diesel carriage takes passengers nearly the whole way up to the summit of Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales.
The journey takes about 45 minutes and ends at Clogwyn Station, where you can take time to enjoy the views of Snowdonia National Park. The park is within driving distance of Liverpool, so it could provide a welcome escape from the city if you’re interested.
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The longest running passenger service in New Zealand is ready to give you a taste of everything the North Island has to offer. For a full-day journey, take the Northern Explorer train from Auckland to Wellington, with seven stops in between. Of course, if you’re coming from the South Island, you’d take the train in the opposite direction from Wellington to Auckland.
Highlights on your trip may include spending time in both cities, but also taking in the unique views of New Zealand. Gaze out across the rocky Kapiti Coast, admire the white cliffs above the Rangitikei River, and marvel at the Ruapehu active volcano in the distance. If you have the time, be sure to make a few stops.
Johnragla, CC BY-SA 3.0/ Wikimedia Commons
South Korea’s Korail offers a variety of train routes for traversing different parts of the country while enjoying the scenery along the way. The V-Train follows a route through different valleys in a mountainous region of the country between Buncheon and Cheoram.
Three observatory cabins provide ample space to enjoy the passing scenery and there’s a mini cafe if you need refreshment. The V-Train runs at a slower pace than typical transporter trains so you can take your time with sightseeing.
PixHound/ istockphoto
Japan’s Shinkansen, or bullet train, is an experience in itself with a top speed of nearly 200 mph. But the journey becomes more special when you include sights along the way, such as Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain and an active volcano.
If you’re traveling by train between Tokyo and Kyoto, consider your seating selection so you get the best view of Mount Fuji as you speed by. You want to be on the right side of the train car if you’re coming from Tokyo and the left side if you’re coming from Kyoto. Of course, it’s best to hope for a clear day so the massive mountain is visible.
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Do you dream of viewing and crossing the incredible Alps landscape from the comfort of a train car? If so, consider the Bernina Express, by the Swiss Rhaetian Railway company, to bring your dreams to life. The train journey begins in Chur, Switzerland, and ends in Tirano, Italy.
Along the way you’ll cross 196 bridges and pass through 55 tunnels, all while enjoying pristine alpine landscapes and panoramic views. Highlights include multiple viaducts, views of glaciers, and passing the highest point of the journey at 2,253 meters (about 7,400 feet) above sea level. The full journey takes about four hours.
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If you’re exploring the Scandinavian lands of Norway, take the opportunity to travel from Bergen to Oslo by train on the Bergen Railway. This train ride takes about seven hours, has 22 stops, and passes through 180 tunnels. In addition, you’ll see plenty of amazing scenery, including potential views of forests, lakes, mountains, fjords, rivers and waterfalls.
For an additional boost of pleasant views, get off the train at the Myrdal stop and take another train to Flåm. This side adventure has been called one of the top 10 train journeys in Europe, as well as the best train journey in the world.
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The Rocky Mountaineer is a Canadian company that offers three rail journeys in Canada and will soon offer one U.S. rail journey as well (coming August 2021). The most popular route is from Vancouver to Banff/Lake Louise. This ride takes you through the Spiral Tunnels, next to mountains and past stunning lakes.
If you want to break up the trip, book a package deal that includes overnight stays along the way. This can help you enjoy the journey more by spending time in the beautiful provinces of British Columbia and Alberta.
Richard Jacyno/ istockphoto
African safaris aren’t limited to lodges and vehicles with four-wheel drive. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can opt for a scenic train ride with Rovos Rail in South Africa instead. You’ll have different itineraries to choose from, but the Cape Town to Pretoria option is likely one of the most epic.
This ride is an 11-day journey that includes an ostrich farm visit, a boat cruise, multiple game drives, city tours and more. In addition, your private sleeper coach makes it easy to enjoy the South African landscapes as you pass by, including the beaches, lakes, and rolling hills of the famous Garden Route.
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Train travel can often be expensive, especially if you have to factor in flying to another country and then booking your train tickets. Fortunately, you have options to reduce your train travel costs, including using credit cards.
Here are a few tips to help you save money on train travel.
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Many of the best travel credit cards offer rewards for travel purchases, which often includes train tickets. Using the right credit card for booking train travel could net you valuable rewards you can use for future travel redemptions such as flights or hotel stays.
In addition, if you’re taking a flight or staying in a hotel as part of your train journey, having a credit card with specific perks or benefits can be helpful. Airport lounge access or complimentary elite status at a hotel or could help you save money on parts of your itinerary or simply have a more enjoyable adventure.
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Using specific credit cards to book train tickets, like an Amtrak credit card, can help you earn points and reduce overall travel costs. If you want to save up for a train trip, though, many of the best cashback credit cards offer better rewards on everyday purchases.
You also have the option to earn points from partnerships with train companies. For example, Amtrak partners with hotel, retail, and car rental companies to provide everyday ways to earn points you can put toward future train tickets.
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If you’re already planning to travel to another country or city and have an open itinerary, consider taking a train instead of a flight if geography allows. This will put the money you save from not flying straight into an enjoyable train journey.
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The train’s concession or restaurant area can be tempting, but you’ll likely save money if you bring your own food and drinks. Be sure to check ahead of time what the restrictions are for food and beverages on any train ride, as some companies may not allow you to bring your own.
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If you’re putting together travel plans, remember to include train travel as an option. Not every train ride will be the same, but it could be a fun opportunity to switch up your typical routine and have a new experience. You’re especially likely to have a memorable trip if you include one of the exciting rail journeys mentioned above.
Keep in mind that train travel doesn’t have to be financially overwhelming if you’re prepared for what to expect. It may be less expensive to travel by train in certain countries, but you have to get to those countries first. So earning points or miles now to cover your flight and hotel expenses could leave more room in your budget for the train rides you want to take.
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This article originally appeared on FinanceBuzz.comand was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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