Touchy Feely Science: How Hugs, Cuddles, and High-Fives Can Make You Healthier and Happier

Touch is more than just a nice gesture—it’s like a magical elixir that can make both your mind and body feel fantastic! That’s what this big, fancy study found out. They looked at tons of other studies to see how touch affects our health, and boy, did they find some interesting stuff!

First off, getting a good cuddle or hug can really work wonders. It’s like a superhero cape for your stress levels! When you’re feeling anxious or down, a little bit of touch can help boost your mood and make you feel better. Plus, it can even reduce pain, like a gentle superhero massage.

But wait, there’s more! Touch isn’t just about humans touching humans. Even if it’s a robot or an object doing the touching, it can still have some pretty cool benefits. Of course, nothing beats a good old-fashioned human hug, especially when it comes to making you feel mentally awesome.

And guess what? Babies benefit big time from touch too! Parents, listen up: your cuddles and kisses are like magic for your little ones. It helps them grow big and strong, and it even makes them feel happier and less stressed. It’s like giving them a warm, fuzzy blanket of love!

But here’s the real kicker: it’s not just about how much touch you get, but also who’s doing the touching. For babies, nothing beats a parent’s touch. It’s like they have a special superpower that makes their touch extra awesome. But for adults, whether it’s your partner or a friendly healthcare pro giving you a pat on the back, it all works pretty much the same magic.

Now, how often and how long should you be getting your dose of touchy-feely goodness? Well, it turns out that the more, the merrier! Having more touch sessions can make you feel even better, like getting extra sprinkles on your ice cream. But here’s the twist: it’s not just about how long the touch lasts, but also how it’s done. A one-way touch, like a gentle stroke, can sometimes be even better than a back-and-forth one.

Oh, and where you get touched matters too! Apparently, getting a head massage can be like hitting the jackpot for your health. It’s like giving your brain a big, warm hug!

And get this: even animals benefit from touch! Yep, that’s right—even our furry friends feel the love. From rats to cats, a little bit of stroking or tickling can make them feel as happy as a clam.

So there you have it, folks: touch is like a secret weapon for making us feel awesome, inside and out. So go ahead, give someone a hug or a high-five—it’s good for your health!

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-024-01841-8

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

en_USEnglish