While most forms of physical contact have us running to the hills, it looks as though there may be some reasons that we need to get brave and embrace the odd cuddle. There better be some good reasons to see us breaking down these walls, but if they help us improve we’d be silly to say no…
Immunity boost
Have you ever been feeling under the weather and found yourself wanting a cuddle? Well, it looks as though there could be benefits to a good snuggle. A study showed that people suffering from the common cold improved quicker if they had someone to cuddle up to. It also suggests that regular cuddling could help prevent catching an illness in the first place!
Pain relief
As well as helping combat illnesses, it looks as though cuddling could be just the thing you need to overcome pain. Oxytocin, also known as the cuddle hormone, is released whenever there is physical touch between two people. This means that a simple spoon can rush our body with hormones that help us overcome the symptoms of pain. Although it may not be able to relieve all the symptoms, cuddling can help take away some of our discomforts.
Healthier hearts
When embraced in a cuddle, it looks as though our hearts are reaping the benefits. Studies show that our heart rate actually slows down. This could be due to the fact that we naturally feel more relaxed when we’re with our partners, as well as the hormonal release we experience during a snuggle session. As well as lower heart rates, cuddling is also proved to help reduce blood pressure as the two effects go hand in hand. A healthy heart also helps to keep the rest of your body in tip-top condition. Lower blood pressure helps contribute towards healthy kidneys and brain. Cuddling can help our bodies in all kind of ways.
Happier all round
All that cuddling is set to make us into happier human beings. Remember that oxytocin we were talking about? Well, that also helps to lift our moods and make us feel happier. Although other activities can raise this hormone, such as watching feel-good movies or talking on social media, cuddling is one of the best ways to give our brain a boost. If you’re in need of a happiness lift, then it may be time to get cuddling!
Anxiety decreases
After all these benefits, can cuddling really do any more than it has already? Yup, the simple act of cuddling has done it again. Now it looks as though having a snuggle could reduce anxiety levels, as well as relieve the side effects. Any kind of physical contact with a loved one will help see your anxiety levels decrease, but cuddling will get results instantly.
So, it looks as though these really are some good reasons to see us get over our personal space issues and snuggle up to someone special. At least now we have an excuse to stay cuddled up in bed all weekend; we’re merely improving our health!
