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CHAPTER 3- DAY 2: HOW TO GET STARTED- THE BENEFITS OF CUDDLING

Cuddling is a very social act done by a lot of species, like monkeys and humans. It's not just a mammalian practice either. Cuddling can be seen in lizards, snakes, and birds, which all like to get together for a group hug. This instinctive practice is motivated in part by the release of hormones like oxytocin and dopamine. Both chemicals involved in mood, sex, childbirth, and social bonding. You can get a number of benefits from these chemicals and from the act of cuddling.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Cuddling seems like the opposite of what you want to do when feeling stressed or anxious. Yet, cuddling is perfect for helping to reduce this emotional and physical tension. The act of cuddling or even hugging another person helps release oxytocin, which is particularly good at relieving social anxiety. Oxytocin increases self-esteem, encourages trust, and makes you more optimistic.

Reduces Pain or Increases Pain Threshold

A good cuddle can also help ease pain. Studies have shown that high oxytocin levels, such as during labor, may increase pain threshold allowing women to better endure labor pains. It also seems to relieve pain in newborns and makes delivery less challenging for the baby. Oxytocin can potentially help with a variety of other kinds of pain from cramping to headaches. Oxytocin relieved lower back pain in both children and adults in another study. This may be in part due to oxytocin's anti-inflammatory properties, and its ability to suppress cortisol.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Research revealed that cuddling has a beneficial effect on your blood pressure too. Cuddling, hugging, and touching are all relaxing behaviors that slow the heart and lower blood pressure. The additional release of oxytocin from cuddling further lowers blood pressure by reducing stress and suppressing cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone that plays a role in the fight-or-flight response.

Makes You Happy

Cuddling just makes you happier. You get the benefits of increased oxytocin, which makes you more optimistic, trusting, and promotes better health. Cuddling can also release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood. Other kinds of touch, such as massage, improve mood by relaxing tension and making you feel pampered.

It's a Diet Aid

Recent studies on obese mice suggest that oxytocin plays a role in metabolism. High doses of oxytocin given to these mice caused their weight to return to normal levels. The chemical infusions also reduced insulin resistance and glucose sensitivity. Increased levels of oxytocin helped prevent obesity in mice too. Plus, social support and dieting with another person is shown to increase the chances of successfully losing weight.

Reduces Inflammation

The act of cuddling has been shown to help reduce inflammation, again through the release of oxytocin. It is thought that the chemical suppresses inflammation causing cytokines in the body. A 2010 study found that oxytocin can ease gastrointestinal inflammation. This is immensely beneficial for those with food sensitivities and autoimmune disorders. It can even help gut motility by improving the efficiency of your bowels.

Encourages Healing

One really nifty benefit of cuddling is its ability to encourage healing. A study of couples found that positive social interaction led to wounds healing faster. This study indicated a correlation between marital behavior, oxytocin, and healing.

Fosters Mother-Child Bonding

One of the most natural instincts in the world is for a mother to cuddle with her baby. It turns out that this activity develops the bond between parent and child. High levels of oxytocin are released during labor and this chemical cements the parental bond by creating a strong emotional attachment to baby right after birth. Cuddling later on releases more oxytocin which only strengthens that bond. This act is good for the baby too.

Cuddling and physical contact gives kids higher levels of social bonding hormones, like oxytocin. Cuddling can help babies develop social bonds with other people. It is shown to help in emotional responses. Cuddling babies can help them sleep better. Cuddling children as babies has been shown to aid in stress management when they were older. Cuddling even improves respiratory function in babies.

Increases Sexual Desire

If you haven't been feeling very frisky lately, consider starting with a cuddle. The act of cuddling, or even foreplay, with a partner you love not only releases oxytocin, it also releases dopamine. This neurotransmitter plays a role in mood, pleasure seeking, and sexual behavior. While you may not particularly feel like it before cuddling, the release of dopamine can help increase excitation and make you feel sexy.

Strengthens Relationship Bonds

Cuddling is the best way to strengthen relationship bonds through non-verbal communication. It develops a physical connection that fosters an emotional connection. Oxytocin and other hormones released while cuddling are what help to strengthen these bonds.

Ways to Get More Cuddling into Your Day

There are multiple ways to get more of the benefits of cuddling into your day. You may not have the time to lounge with a loved one on the couch, but you do have time for a hug. Hugging loved ones is another good way to release oxytocin. Research has shown that you can get benefits from just imagining that a loved one is giving you a comforting hug or cuddle.

If cuddling is not your thing, you can get the benefits of increased oxytocin in other ways. A social activity, such as sharing a meal or giving gifts is shown to raise oxytocin levels. Cuddling or petting animals is an alternative that also lowers blood pressure and reduces stress. Meditation that focuses on others in your life has been shown to raise oxytocin levels too. Another great way to bond with others and boost your oxytocin levels is to participate in a stressful or dangerous activity. Hop on a roller coaster ride, go sky-diving, or learn to salsa with a partner.