We have been romanticising summer flings for a long time. The glitz, glamour and yearning in The Great Gatsby, Summer Lovin’ inGreaseand romance in Italy’s countryside in 2017’s Call Me By Your Name
Sun, sand and sex. What a combo
There’s some real magic to a summer fling. Long days ending in stunning sunsets, wandering around nature in brightsummersun and lazy picnic evenings can create quite the dreamy experience
Now, one doctor has revealed that not only are these flings sexy and fun but they could be beneficial to our health and wellbeing. Lovely
How summer flings are good for your health
Dr Babak Ashrafi, from Superdrug Online Doctor, reveals the five surprising ways a summer fling is good for your health:
1. Physical touch can lower stress levels
Dr Ashrafi says: “Holiday romances can be a really powerful tool for unwinding. Physical affection, from holding hands and hugging to kissing and sex, triggers the release ofoxytocin, often called the ‘bonding hormone’
“This helps lower cortisol, our primary stress hormone, leaving us feeling calmer and more relaxed.”
I’m getting warm and fuzzy just thinking about it
2. Holiday romance could help you sleep better
Sleeping can be difficult during hot weather but your lover could be exactly what helps you to nod off
He shares: “after intimacy, particularly when we’re feeling emotionally connected and relaxed, the body releases hormones, including oxytocin and prolactin, which help us wind down and prepare for sleep
“Many people find they sleep more deeply afterintimacy, making quality sleep one of the lesser-known physical benefits of a holiday romance.”
3. The holiday glow isn’t always just the sunshine
We all know the holiday glow. Some of us come back with glowing tans and the palest of us come home with slightly rosier cheeks. However, Dr Ashrafi says that it may not have anything to do with the sunshine
“People often return from holiday with what we call a ‘holiday glow’, and it’s not always down to the sunshine. Better sleep, reduced stress and the feel-good hormones released during a positive romantic experience can all contribute to healthier-looking skin by reducing inflammation and supporting yourskin’snatural repair processes.”
4. New attraction gives your brain a natural chemical boost
Nothing beats the thrill of a crush. Even if it doesn’t go anywhere, the excitement of somebody being on your mind is a real rush and Dr Ashrafi explains that the rush gives a genuine chemical boost to the body: “Meeting someone new is exciting, and that excitement also triggers a surge of chemicals, includingdopamine, our happy hormone, creating feelings of pleasure, motivation and connection
“This chemical release is why a summer fling can leave you feeling energised, uplifted and happier long after the holiday has ended.”
5. Summer flings naturally encourage a more active lifestyle
Dr Ashrafi shares that if your fling happens abroad, you are likely to reap more physical health benefits: “Unlike the romances we experience at home, the ones we have on holiday often revolve around experiences rather than our daily routines
“Whether it’s exploring a new city together, swimming in the sea or dancing until late, a summer fling can naturally increase your daily movement without it feeling like exercise.”
Gorgeous
