Why is cuddling good?
The world just needs a hug right now. We are so inundated with negative messaging we just want everyone to start
hugging it out.
Cuddling is a great way to improve happiness and release stress-easing hormone oxytocin, reducing blood pressure and improving overall health.
Oxytocin is a neuropeptide that’s secreted by the pituitary gland. Given its physiological benefits, Oxytocin is known as the feel-good hormone.
Benefits of Oxytocin:
- Lowers our Blood Pressure. The next time you hold someone close, take a deep breath and let it go. Unless it’s someone you’d rather not be cuddling chances are you’ll notice your heart rate and your breathing slow down a bit. As the oxytocin levels rise, they affect the hormones that keep us at the ready for action and allow our blood pressure to drop.
- Helps relieve pain and raises our pain threshold. Ever have that feeling that nothing can hurt you because you’re so in love? Well, it was probably the oxytocin talking. This effect of oxytocin is particularly helpful during our day to day. What’s the first thing we do after jamming a finger? We rub it with our other hand. Even this self-stimulation triggers a release of oxytocin and helps us deal with the pain.
- Reduces social anxiety. When we secrete oxytocin, we are more likely to have an optimistic outlook on connecting with others, better self-esteem and an easier time trusting those around us.
- Lower levels of cortisol aka the stress hormone. Too much cortisol has negative effects for our moods, weight, and decreases immunity.
