In “The Before Times,” most of us probably took human contact for granted. Many of us who appreciated being touched or hugged by a friend, spouse, or loved one were devastated by COVID-19. It’s reasonable that it took a global pandemic and physical separation to even come up with the words to explain why touch is so crucial.
Let’s speak about cuddling in terms of touch. Isn’t it enjoyable? It can provide reassurance and a sense of calm. There are endless ways to cuddle when the world is your oyster. You gain a multitude of health benefits whether you’re the large or tiny spoon. Isn’t it a win-win situation? Let’s go over them one by one:
More Sleep at Night
Try a decent snuggle session before bed if you need a better night’s sleep. Physical touch stimulates the release of oxytocin in the brain and lowers the amount of stress-related cortisol generated. This can help you sleep better at night by reducing nightmares.
Consider including cuddling into your pre-bedtime ritual.
Less Stress in Your Life
We’re under pressure. It’s impossible to deny. These are trying times. Cuddles and hugs, on the other hand, can help to relieve stress. True, not every tension is the same; but, the more hugs you receive, the more effective they are.
The hormone oxytocin isn’t the only one responsible for the stress-relieving effects of cuddling. Serotonin, sometimes known as the “Happy Hormone,” enhances emotions of pleasure and contentment. When you’re down in the dumps, cuddling can help.
That hug could save your life.
Better Digestion
The “rest and digest” reaction is triggered by cuddling. This signals to your body that it’s okay to unwind and redirect energy to digestion. Because stress puts you in a permanent state of fight-or-flight, snuggling relieves stress and redirects energy to less-essential processes.
The more we cuddle, the more serotonin we make, and the more serotonin we make, the better our bodies’ ability to digest and metabolize food.
Reduced Pain in Your Body
When you’re in physical agony, reaching for a loved one’s hand is a natural instinct. According to a study published in the journal PNAS in 2018, this tiny action can drastically lower the amount of pain you experience. When both people felt close to each other, it worked well.
Stronger Personal Connections
In our ultra-connected tech world, it may appear that we don’t have a connectivity problem. Physical touch, on the other hand, creates a special and necessary form of bond with others.
This is especially true when it comes to couples. If you’re feeling distant from your lover, incorporating frequent snuggles will benefit your relationship as well as your physical and emotional wellbeing.
We could go on, but the point is to cuddle under all circumstances. Isn’t it obvious that you can’t get enough of it? Many of us have been without continuous human touch for the past year and a half. Get it right now. With all of these advantages, we must not overlook the pleasure it provides. We encourage you to do whatever makes you feel good.