Why physical feelings can raise your health

In the opening scene Actually loveThe character of Hugh Grant says how, whenever he gets gloomy with the state of the world, he thinks about the arrival gate at Heathrow airport. The reason is on the screen: we see that couples kiss, elderly friends embrace, children smile and laugh when they jump into the arms of their parents.

Airports are great places to really understand the importance of physical feeling – hugging, kissing, hugging, holding hands, and even just touching. But physical feeling is ubiquitous in everyday life – and for a reason. Science shows that a non-sexual physical feeling produces more than just moments of joy-it’s also benefits Our mental and physical health.

Physical feeling is one of the The most direct And critical ways in which people communicate intimacy in their romantic relationships. And it seems that this happens in romantic relationships in the whole worldDespite intercultural differences in the ideas of love and romance.

People in romantic relationships report more intimate physical attachment than singlets. They are also more comfortable, allowing their partners to touch more bodies than strangers or friends. For example, most people are comfortably touched thighs and stomach by their partner, but not by other people.

Even how we touch our partners differs from how we touch other people. When the participants of one study were asked to hit a partner, friend, stranger or artificial arm, they did more slowly with a partner. Slower strikes can be experienced as more pleasant and erotic than faster impacts. Even thinking He evokes pleasant and erotic feelings about the physical feelings of the partner.

There is now sturdy evidence that physical contact is associated with better physical and mental health. One review “Touch interventions” – think massage – 212 studies involving over 13,000 participants found that physical touch brought everything from sleep patterns to blood pressure to fatigue. Touch interventions were particularly helpful in reducing pain, depression and anxiety.

Steam therapy

Before you rush to book a massage, you should know that many evidence suggests that the strongest benefits result from physical feelings with romantic partners. Several studies have shown that in couples physical feelings are associated with the scope physiological Effects, including lower blood pressure and better immune answers.

In pairs, physical attachment is also associated with better psychological well-being. One study showed that couples who Sleepy – Hugging shortly before bedtime or after that – I felt happier and calmer in the morning, which meant that they enjoyed the company of their partners more often.

Physical feeling – including Kiss AND feeling after sex – also involves more relationships and Sexual satisfactionand better assessments of the general relationship, which in turn contribute to better mental well -being. And even when conflicts appear, hugging It seems to reduce the level of negative mood in par.

Hug because there is more. Receiving physical feelings from a partner makes us feel stronger mentally. One study showed that women showed less activation in the brain part that react to the threat when Holding my husband’s hand. Even imagining the touch of a partner can raise the readiness to take up difficult tasks.

Another way to look at it is to examine what will happen when we lose physical feeling. Studies have shown that “Touch deprivation” – no touch – is associated with greater symptoms of depression and anxiety. Indeed, loss of feelings from others during a pandemic He hit many people hard. Among the couples, Lack of physical feelings It is associated with lower satisfaction, stress and a sense of loneliness.

There are several ways in which physical feeling provides these benefits. Straightforward touch is known for its activation Prize centers The brain, which increases our mood and promotes a sense of well -being. Touch also stimulates release oxytocinwhich can strengthen social ties and raise the sense of trust between individuals. For these reasons, oxytocin is sometimes called “hugging chemicals”.

Physical feelings also reduce the levels of stress hormone cortisol And reduces the perceived pain that suppresses the physiological stress system. One study showed that a ten -minute neck and arm massage From his own partner he helped reduce cortisol answers, helping in regulating the level of stress.

An critical way To control our emotions. Touching a partner in a caring way helps to improve their mood and makes them feel loved, sheltered and sheltered. Like a feeling connectionTrust and affiliation are strengthened by non -existence physical signs of feeling, the negative effect is reduced and mental well -being improves.

However, not everyone likes to be affected, even if it is their romantic partners. Some people are “Avoiding touch” – And some people can be afraid of touching. For example, people with avoiding attachment styles – characterized by discomfort with emotional closeness – often have a lot Negative views on hugging and there are more undecided touch their partners. And vice versa, people with restless attachment styles – characterized by fear of abandonment – they can desire more touch than they receive.

But when couples have similar touch preferences, it can lead to a larger attraction, closenessand commitment to yourself. And if you are looking for a nice way to include non-sexual physical feelings in your compounds, consider home massage. One study showed that couples who Massage They felt a deeper connection at home and felt more relaxed and less stressed.