How Lies Affect Health 0 9

Scientists from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana (USA) have concluded that lying, even the most harmless, can worsen not only a person's mental but also physical condition. They conducted a large-scale study involving 110 volunteers aged 18 to 71 years.

The participants were divided into two groups: one was asked to tell the truth in any situation, while the other was not restricted in their lying. Over ten weeks, the researchers observed changes in mood, well-being, and social contacts of the participants.

The results were surprising: people who tried to be honest felt much better. Their stress levels decreased, sleep improved, and they complained less about headaches and throat pains, while also experiencing more feelings of joy and inner peace. Those who continued to lie, on the other hand, faced irritability, anxiety, and psychosomatic symptoms.

Psychologists explain this phenomenon simply: any lie is a cognitive burden. The brain has to keep fictional details in memory, control emotions and behavior to avoid being exposed. This raises stress hormone levels and can eventually lead to chronic fatigue, insomnia, and weakened immunity.

Moreover, lying destroys trust in relationships. People who frequently resort to deception become withdrawn, lose connection with loved ones, and begin to feel lonely — another powerful factor in psychosomatic disorders.

Statistics show that the average person lies between 10 and 50 times a week, most often out of politeness, fear of conflict, or the desire to impress. But even such "innocent" distortions of the truth accumulate over time and start to affect the overall state of the body.

To improve well-being, experts recommend practicing honesty — at least in small things. This not only strengthens trust in relationships but also literally heals the body and mind.