It’s no secret that cuddling makes you feel good when you’re in a new or established relationship. It’s also something that you miss greatly when you’re single.  But did you know there’s actually a scientific reason for that? It’s true! There are many surprising benefits of cuddling—so read on, and you’ll want to cuddle someone right now! That is where we come in.

1. Cuddling releases the hormone Oxytocin.

Oxytocin is a feel good hormone that increases your overall happiness. Your body releases oxytocin when you cuddle with a close one, hold your partner tight. Cuddling also releases endorphins, neurotransmitters that fire in your brain and make you feel terrific. If you’ve ever done a challenging workout that made you feel like energetic and accomplished, or ate a piece of dark chocolate that gave you a feeling of bliss, you should be familiar with the happy feeling endorphins produce in your body.

2. Cuddling boosts your immune system.

According to a 2004 study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, physical contact with partners can lead to reduced heart rates. Increase your hug ratio and you can also look forward to reduced blood pressure, decreased cortisol (a stress hormone tied to weight gain), improved healing, reduced cravings, and boosted immunity. When you’re being cuddled you feel invincible, you’re experiencing oxytocin release. This feel good hormone makes you feel like nothing can hurt you which is an amazing benefit! It also increases hormones that help fight infection. So, basically, you’re boosting your immune system because you’re feeling too good and healthy to get sick. The power of positive thinking, feeling loved and secure actually works!

3. Cuddling relieves pain.

Just as it boosts your immune system, cuddling and releasing oxytocin will decrease your pain levels. Whenever your neck hurts, what do you do? Rub it, right? Even simple touches like that release enough oxytocin to make you feel better, so imagine the effect cuddling has!

4. Cuddling helps strengthen your bond with the people you love

When your body’s needs for touch aren’t fulfilled the bond you feel with your loved ones or your sense of self worth could suffer. Remember the hormone oxytocin that I mentioned above? This hormone plays a significant role in developing a bond between a mother and her children. Make sure you hug your children and friends, kiss your partner and give your pets a belly rub to strengthen the bond with the important people in your life.

5. Cuddling helps parents bond with their children.

Have you heard the term “oxytocin” in relation to childbirth and breastfeeding? It’s because this chemical doesn’t just inspire good feelings between couples it also works for parents and their babies. Oxytocin especially helps relax the mother so that breastfeeding may become easier. It also enables sleep, even when the mother and father might have difficulty sleeping with a newborn in the house.

6. Cuddling can help reduce social anxiety.

Oxytocin inspires positive thinking. It helps you have an optimistic outlook on the world. Which means when you get a hug right as you arrive at the party where you only know one person, you’re going to feel happier and more social going in. You’ll feel like you can charm everyone at the party. And with oxytocin coursing through your system, you will!

7. Cuddling reduces stress.

It’s obvious by now, right? Oxytocin is an amazing natural hormone that has so many benefits for the human body. It’s only natural that all these positive effects are going to release stress. You’re feeling more connected with your friends and partner, you’re feeling confident in social situations, your immune system is stronger. What do you have to be stressed about? You have a great, cuddle filled, loving life. Enjoy it!

8. Cuddling boosts your health and lowers your risk of heart disease.

Yes, oxytocin again! All the benefits listed above add together to mean less stress, less anxiety, lower blood pressure and, you got it, a lower risk of heart disease. Because your heart is happier and not working as hard to combat the effects of stress and sickness, you’ll be healthier longer.

9. Cuddling doesn’t have a definition.

Cuddling doesn’t have to be between you and your romantic partner. It doesn’t even have to be with another person, you can rub your own shoulders! You can also hug friends or play with your pets. If you don’t want to be social or don’t have a furry friend, never fear. Feeling warm and connected by some sort of touch is enough to release oxytocin into your system and get you feeling good! So why not come see us.

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