In case you needed more motivation to get your relationship on the right track, research shows that the quality of your romantic relationship has a significant impact on your physical health.

In her recent book, Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle, Emily Nagoski details the range of affects marital quality can have.

Perhaps not surprisingly, worse marital quality was associated with worse mental health and quality of life. Consider the daily impact of relational negativity on your well-being. The emotional environment in which we live affects our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and more.

One of the most mind-blowing findings?

Marital quality was a higher predictor of health than smoking.

Smoking?!

Friends, if you’re struggling in your relationship, it’s time to make a change.

To learn more about these studies and the other findings, be sure to check out this week’s episode and Emily’s book.