Research has again proven that the stress hormone Cortisol is frequently a roadblock to happiness and happy relationships, impacting our emotional and physical well-being.
In our high-speed and high-stress world, our adrenal glands are often working at full speed, releasing Cortisol in an effort (albeit usually in a counterproductive way) to help us survive. Pretty much every counselling client I have ever worked with is experiencing this natural phenomenon. This persistent release of Cortisol can lead to a variety of health issues, including anxiety, depression, and even cardiovascular problems. For instance, clients often describe feelings of being overwhelmed, which can be traced back to elevated stress levels. Understanding this connection is key to addressing mental health challenges and improving overall life satisfaction.
Stress and being in unsafe situations lead to our bodies’ natural survival response – sending us to Flight, Fight, Fawn, or Freeze. These responses can significantly affect our decision-making capabilities and relationships. For example, individuals may lash out at loved ones in a fight response or withdraw entirely in a freeze response, creating further emotional distance and misunderstandings.
As I’ve covered many times here on the With a Little Help Counselling website, being in these survival positions seldom leads to good, healthy, and productive decisions. In fact, often, we make things worse. By learning to recognise these responses in ourselves, we can take proactive steps to manage our stress. Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help ground us and reduce the immediate emotional responses triggered by stress.
Want further proof of this phenomenon? Well, here are the results of a 2025 wide-ranging study into links between Positive Emotions and Cortisol Secretion in the Daily Lives of Older Couples. This study highlights an essential aspect of emotional well-being: the importance of social connections and shared experiences in mitigating stress.
It was found in the study, published by the American Psychological Association, that sharing happy moments with a partner lowers the level of the stress hormone cortisol in our bodies. This finding underscores the therapeutic potential of positive interactions in our daily lives. For example, couples who engage in shared activities, such as exercising together or enjoying a meal, often report feeling closer and less stressed, reinforcing the bond that helps buffer against life’s challenges.
Study lead author Tomiko Yoneda, PhD, of the University of California, says positive emotions often happen when we’re connecting with someone else. This connection can act as a protective factor against stress, promoting resilience and overall well-being. Engaging in meaningful conversations or sharing laughter can significantly improve mood and reduce feelings of loneliness, essential components in combating stress.
“We wanted to understand how often older couples share positive emotional moments in their everyday lives, and whether these shared moments affect the body in meaningful ways.” The results of their inquiry revealed that regular sharing of positive experiences plays a crucial role in emotional health, further hinting at its importance in stress management.
To study this, Yoneda and her colleagues looked at levels of cortisol in older adults. They examined data from three studies with a total of 642 participants (321 cohabitating couples) in Canada and Germany. Nearly 24,000 participants, all aged between 56 and 89, were involved. This diverse demographic provided a comprehensive picture of how positive emotional sharing impacts stress levels across different backgrounds and relationship types.
The researchers found that on occasions when both partners were together and reported positive emotions, participants’ saliva samples showed lower cortisol levels, and this effect was beyond individually experienced positive emotions. This indicates that the act of sharing these moments has a compounded effect, reinforcing the idea that relationships play a pivotal role in emotional regulation.
“There was something uniquely powerful about sharing those positive emotions. Even more exciting, we found signs that these shared positive moments have lasting effects,” Yoneda said. This suggests that fostering positive interactions can be an essential strategy for couples looking to enhance their emotional connection and reduce stress over time.
Perhaps surprisingly, the effect showed up regardless of how satisfied people were with their relationship. In other words, even if a couple wasn’t feeling especially happy with their relationship overall, sharing positive emotions still seemed to have a calming effect on the body. This finding is particularly significant for couples experiencing difficulties, offering a pathway to improve well-being through intentional positive interaction, thereby helping to mitigate stress.
Yoneda added that the work builds on positivity resonance theory, which suggests that when people share positive emotions—along with caring, synchronised connection—it can boost emotional and physiological well-being. This means that investing time in nurturing these connections can be a powerful tool against stress, leading to healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
Furthermore, the role of communication in reducing stress cannot be overstated. Open dialogues about feelings, fears, and joys can help partners understand and support each other better. This level of transparency fosters trust and intimacy, crucial elements in overcoming stress-related challenges in a relationship.
