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AJC.com > Living > Blog > Archives > 2004 > November > 04
Thursday, November 4, 2004
Health Benefits of Being Single
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I have to thank Anonymousella for directing me to this article called “The Health Benefits of Being Single” in the November 2004 issue of Marie Claire.
According to the article, new research suggests that single women stay slimmer, healthier and happier than married women. It offers seven advantages it says are supported by the research.
1. You won’t get fat.
Singles gain less weight over 10 years than married couples do. Women generally gain five to eight pounds in the first two years after marriage and even more if they are unhappily married.
2. You look more muscular and fit.
Singles are more likely to remain physically active. Staying fit and regular exercise lowers your risk of heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression, and some forms of cancer. Bonus: Also helps reduce PMS symptoms and boosts sexual desire.
3. You sleep — and — think better.
More singles get the seven or more hours a night essential for restoring your body and mind. More sleep makes you smarter because it boosts your memory, mood and concentration. More sleep also improves your immune system so you are less likely to catch a cold or the flu.
4. You’re less of a stress case.
Never-married women are significantly less likely to feel stressed than women who are unhappily married or who are divorced. So the perception that single women are lonely or stressed out is a farce.
5. You’re happier.
Solo women have lower rates of depression than married women. A lack of control has been linked with anxiety and depression. Staying single keeps you in control.
6. You have lower blood pressure.
Single women are better at nuturing female friendships and solid ties with the girls can benefit your health by keeping blood pressure from rising and can ease stress.
7. You spend more time doing what matters.
Married women do 14 more hours of housework than singles. Those extra hours of chores can leave married women angry, anxious and depressed. Singles may feel overwhelmed by all their options, but at least they have them. So if you are single, think of it this way: You’ve got 14 more hours than your married counterparts to enrich your mind, body and spirit.
The article is thought-provoking, but I don’t necessarily agree. As much as Military Man sometimes get on my nerves I think I’m going to stick with my baby.
What do you think about the benefits of being single listed in the article? Are there any you would add or subtract? Can these benefits of being single also be applied to men?
