Snuggling with someone you love on a cold, winter night is not just an appealing, romantic idea, but an actual way to stay healthy during this rather depressing season. It should come as no surprise that cuddling provides us with lots of benefits, both mental and physical. I mean, who doesn’t love cuddling? Here are eight reasons why you should grab a few blankets, light a few candles, and snuggle up this winter season!
1. Cuddling releases Oxytocin (a “feel-good” chemical)
Oxytocin has many functions in the brain such as making you feel happy and connected to others. Commonly, this is hormone is associated with love. It is released in the regions of the brain that control emotional, cognitive, and social behaviors, and common effects of its release are relaxation, trust, and psychological stability.
2. Cuddling helps relieve pain
Think about when you were little and felt sick. Why did you always feel so much better when your mom came over and rubbed your back or sat with you on the couch? It is because physical touch releases oxytocin and that miracle hormone eases pain. No matter if you are in physical or emotional pain, a little cuddling may be just what you need.
3. Cuddling improves communication
People often complain about the lack of communication in their relationships, but most people forget that touch is a form of communication too. It can be just as effective, if not more, than speech. Taking time to relax with the person you love, even if it is only for a few minutes a day, will give you time to focus on your feelings for each other and strengthen the relationship.
4. Cuddling reduces social anxiety
The release of oxytocin affects positive thinking. This will inspire a more optimistic outlook on your relationship with others. So the next time you think of giving a tight, long hug, go for it! You will help that person, as well as yourself, feel more happy and sociable.
5. Cuddling gives your immune system a boost
During these cold, long months where it seems impossible to stay healthy, we’ll take an immune system boost wherever we can find it. Who knew it could be as simple as snuggling up for a few minutes a day. The combination of positive thinking and happiness caused by oxytocin strengthens your body’s ability to fight off infections. Pretty awesome, huh?
6. Cuddling reduces stress
Oxytocin is our body’s natural stress reliever. With cuddling comes an increase in oxytocin and a decrease in cortisol (stress hormone). Instead of dealing with stress in the typical college-student fashion, maybe we should snuggle up and let the warmth and happiness lead us to a night of full relaxation.
7. Cuddling can improve your sleep
As college students, most of us do not get enough sleep. Cuddling relieves stress and anxiety, which allow the body to fall asleep at a more reasonable hour. So for the times you actually get the chance to sleep, snuggle up before bed and get ready for a great night’s sleep.
8. All of these benefits can be experienced with whomever you wish
We typically think of cuddling as an exclusively romantic act, but all these benefits can be reaped with anyone! Feel better by simply giving your friends more hugs, or snuggling up with your dog on the couch. Even getting a massage has been proven to release oxytocin, for those of you (whoever you are) who don’t necessarily enjoy the wonderful act of cuddling.
The human touch is a powerful thing, Collegiettes. Don’t underestimate it this winter, and snuggle up with someone you love!