Holding hands, hugging, cuddling, or just being near someone are all things most of us do regularly. Those things make us feel good and give us a sense of belonging. Although it’s an integral part of society as we know it, many people don’t understand why.
In truth, being close to others not only relationship wise, but physically too, is crucial to your wellbeing. If you don’t believe me, here are 6 positive benefits of physical touch with others.
1. It’s Calming
Stress is a huge issue in many people’s lives. Not only does it affect you mentally, but it can make you physically ill as well. It can cause headaches, nausea, and a wealth of other horrible symptoms. That’s why finding something to soothe your nerves is so necessary. Feeling the touch of another human is proven to be extremely calming and helps to ease stress.
2. It Helps You Grow Closer to Others
As social creatures, we need to try to bond with as many people as possible. Finding a connection with others can often be difficult, but there are methods that can help the process. Acts like hugging, being near others, or shaking people’s hands can help to create that connection. In relationships that have already formed, it even makes that bond stronger.
3. It Makes You Feel More Positive
The physical touch of others releases oxytocin, otherwise known as the “feel good” hormone. This hormone helps you to see the world in a more positive light as well as maintain an optimistic outlook of the world.
4. It’s Healing
As children, when we were upset and hurt, we’d often go to our parents for a hug to make us feel better. The reason we did that was that that hug would help heal all our internal wounds and make us feel strong enough to keep going. In adulthood, that effect doesn’t go away. A hug or a cuddle can still help us feel better when we’ve been hurt deeply.
5. It Can Reduce Social Anxiety
Some people can have a lot of trouble encountering others, being in large groups, or even being in one-on-one scenarios. Social anxiety can make it extremely hard for some to relax around others. Being physically close to other people doesn’t just make you feel closer to them, it makes you feel more relaxed too. In turn, that makes it easier to approach other people as well.
6. It Makes You Feel Loved
One of the most overlooked aspects of physical touch is how loved and cared for it makes you feel. After a hug from a friend or a cuddle with your significant other, you can feel so comfortable, safe, and warm. Truly, it’s such a beautiful way for two people to show how much love they have for each other.
It may seem like such a simple thing, but the touch of another human has so many amazing benefits. Don’t be fooled into thinking that it’s just any old thing that people do, it’s a vital part of who we are. So, take the time to hug your family, hold your partner’s hand, or cuddle up to someone. There really is no downside to it.
Share this article with your friends and family to show them the importance of physical touch.
