7 Valuable benefits of touch

Touch has long lasting health benefits that are good for the brain and bonding. In fact, an older study proved that if we aren’t touched as infants, we can fail to survive. Frequent touch is such an important part of every relationship we are in, whether as a partner, parent, friend or coworker. Touch is an essential part of communication and connection.

Here are seven valuable benefits of touch:

1.   Affection calms and soothes.

Touch immediately calms and soothes people no matter their mood. Touch is grounding and brings us into the present. Physical affection releases oxytocin while decreasing cortisol. Oxytocin reduces pain and settles our nerves. When we are in this state of an oxytocin high, we can feel the emotion of love.

2.   Snuggly couples have more longevity.

Couples who frequently touch prove to have better sex lives. When we are affectionate, we are in the constant action of feeling love internally and physically. A man’s primal need for sex inspires him to give you what you need emotionally. Women need to be stimulated emotionally to give sexually, so all the touching and cuddling creates a longer and stable sexual and emotional bond.

3.   Touch is mutually beneficial.

Snuggling and touching is as beneficial to the giver as it is to the receiver. Changes in the hormones produced by touch bond us together in the same emotional and physical state. This gives relationships a shared experience of connection and compassion.

4.   Touch increases trust.

When we touch someone, we show vulnerability. This vulnerability, soothed and reinforced by touch, increases our ability to trust someone more deeply. This creates deeper emotional bonds and connections in our relationships. Our children especially need our touch so they can develop the neural pathways for bonding and connection.

5.   People who frequently touch appear more confident.

People view and experience someone who warmly touches as confident and grounded. This person makes us feel safe and eager to connect with him because we like the way he makes us feel.

6.   People who frequently touch are happier in their relationships.

Affectionate people who are in love have fewer complaints about other things lacking in their relationship. They are happier and positive in their outlook. Because they consistently bond through touch, they feel a permanence and stability in their connection that stands the test of time. This also applies to children, plants and animals.

7.   Touch predicts better mood in the future.

The amazing benefits of touch are not confined to the present. Touch can influence a person’s mood for days after. Even the memory of being snuggled can increase someone’s mood. Snuggle your kids and your other loved ones as much as possible, so they have snuggle-energy to last a lifetime.

Touch is the easiest and most direct way to express our love. People who don’t engage in physical affection tend to have depression, weight problems and a difficult time connecting with others. Touch is simply an expression of love. Love is the fuel we need to make our lives work. If you feel low on fuel, get some snuggle time.

Sherrie Campbell, Ph.D.

Dr. Sherrie Campbell is an author and a licensed Psychologist with more than nineteen years of clinical training and experience. She provides practical tools to help people overcome obstacles to self-love and truly achieve an empowered life. Get her free article on Five Ways to Make Love the Common Ground in Your Communication. She is also a featured expert on a variety of national websites and has a successful practice in southern California. Receive free insights from Sherrie and get involved in her Facebook community with others looking to improve their relationship. For more information visit SherrieCampbellPhD.com.

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