Benefits of  Cuddling?

 

 

 

Most of us do not experience enough touch in their daily lives. This is especially true when we consider the more meaningful touches found in hugs, caresses, and cuddling. 

Many people are lonely for many good reasons. They may be grieving relationships that have ended, they may be in between relationships, they may be experiencing a difficult time in their current relationship, or they may be having a difficult time finding new relationships. We have all been there.  If you are not sure if you would benefit from a cuddle session

 

What are the benefits of Cuddling?

 

1. Cuddling releases oxytocin.

Oxytocin is a hormone that does everything from making you feel good to helping you feel connected to others. Oxytocin is crucial in the act of cuddling, as you’ll see from its benefits popping up in the list below.

 

2. Cuddling boosts your immune system.

When you’re so in love you feel invincible, you’re experiencing oxytocin release. This feel-good hormone makes you feel like nothing can hurt you—which is an amazing benefit! It also increases hormones that help fight infection. So, basically, you’re boosting your immune system because you’re feeling too good and healthy to get sick. The power of positive thinking—and feeling loved and secure—actually works!

 

3. Cuddling relieves pain.

Just as it boosts your immune system, cuddling and releasing oxytocin will decrease your pain levels. Whenever your neck hurts, what do you do? Rub it, right? Even simple touches like that release enough oxytocin to make you feel better, so imagine the effect cuddling has!

 

4. Cuddling reduces social anxiety.

Oxytocin inspires positive thinking. It helps you have an optimistic outlook on the world. Which means when you get a hug right as you arrive at the party where you only know one person, you’re going to feel happier and more social going in. You’ll feel like you can charm everyone at the party. And with oxytocin coursing through your system, you will!

 

5. Cuddling reduces stress.

It’s obvious by now, right? Oxytocin is an amazing natural hormone that has so many benefits for the human body. It’s only natural that all these positive effects are going to release stress, also. You’re feeling more connected with your partner, you’re feeling confident in social situations, your immune system is stronger—what do you have to be stressed about? You have a great, cuddle-filled, loving life. Enjoy it!

 

6. Cuddling lowers your risk of heart disease.

Yup—oxytocin again! All the benefits listed above add together to mean less stress, less anxiety, lower blood pressure and—you got it—a lower risk of heart disease! Because your heart is happier and not working as hard to combat the effects of stress and sickness, you’ll be healthier, longer.  Source 

 

7. Lowers blood pressure and stress.

Every time you touch someone your body releases oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding that also serves a number of other functions. Cuddling increases your oxytocin levels, trimming back your body's fight-or-flight response that comes with stress, and at the same time lowering your blood pressure.

 

8. Heals your mind and body.

Not only does oxytocin calm you down and reduce depression, scientists have also established a link between the hormone and injury healing. This explains why we rub parts of our body that hurt, and why massages are so great at relieving sore muscles. 

 

9. Lowers social anxiety.

Increased oxytocin levels make it easier for us to bond with people, and it has been found to increase our attachment security which makes us more trusting of others, along with having a positive effect on social and emotional loneliness.