The Importance of Cuddles
Before we start talking about the health benefits of cuddling, let me just say that it is one of the most precious things in life. But this is not new information. Giving oneself to a true cuddle from someone we love, completely raises the vibration of the parties involved. Here are a few of cuddle health benefits:
Cuddles release a hormone called Oxytocin in the body, which is a hormone that plays an essential role in social bonding, sexual reproduction, childbirth and the period right after childbirth. This hormone is one of the elements at play when one feels warm and happy. It gives one a sense of calm and helps one deal with stress. It drives one to laughter, creates the proper natural chemicals in one’s body to take inspired action and to solve problems. It also can lower blood pressure which could be very useful at times. This last fact is said to help mostly women but recent studies have shown to be true for both sexes.
A good cuddle is an efficient pain reliever. If one is experiencing any kind of physical or emotional pain, the Oxytocin released with a long embrace can help block the pain signals. Especially if one is dealing with the common cold or dealing with the recent outbreak of the virus, people who are bound to be in close proximity through this time, should cuddle, if only for the sole reason of helping one’s symptoms from worsening. One of the symptoms of being sick include stress: this pestering sensation we all deal with. A good cuddle softens our spirits and our bodies and allows for the right kind of human exchange that benefits all that hug long and lovingly.
Cuddling increases the trust in a romantic relationship. This is a given: one must find time to simply lay around and cuddle with ones partner if this is available to you. Whether you are watching a movie, waking up or going to sleep, sitting in front of the fireplace or taking an afternoon stroll, stay connected to your partner by holding hands, giving an occasional quick hug or simply holding each other for a while. This is certainly not a PDA. In fact showing affection in public has shown to be infectious in a positive way. Anyone, seeing a couple that shows a decent level of affection towards each other immediately receives a joyful sensation while they stroll past you. In an intimate setting, cuddling i.e “spooning” or other, sets one up for a the proper kind of rest that you will need throughout the night. Even if you might not be the kind of person that likes too much physical contact in order to fall asleep, a good 5 to 10 minutes is enough to set on up for more pleasant dreams. Often, when one lays one’s head for the night, thoughts about the day and life could emerge. It could be a stressful moment. This is why a good cuddle might be a cure for that specific moment.
When it comes to mothers and nurturing their child, cuddling is one of the most important activities as the skin-to-skin contact connects their child to their place of comfort. The child needs to feel safe and the safest place they had experienced so far is their mother’s womb. Cuddling with one’s child is the closest thing to this intimate bond that existed for about 9 months. Moreover, cuddling could benefit the child’s health as it is said to calm his or her breathing and therefore boost the infant’s oxygen levels. This onto itself that help the avoidance of certain ailments the child could have such as hypothermia or hypoglycemia.
We could also talk about our little furry friends, our pets and our cats, as well as anything really. Do not shy away from giving your pet a good hug if they respond to it. It will not go to waste. To add on that, many individuals have found some kind of benefit from hugging trees. In fact, it has been said to really bring a sense of calm and deep connection to nature to the proverbial tree hugger. This might be the next step of cuddling. Starting with hugging and cuddling your own close ones is a good start and might I say the right activity to dedicate oneself to in hard times or any time for that matter. Engaging in cuddling more frequently and dedicating just a little bit more time to it could be the simplest and truest answer to a better and happier life. It’s time to go cuddle someone you love!