7 REASONS TO CUDDLE EVERY DAY

Know the reason of why you cuddle....

7 REASONS TO CUDDLE EVERY DAY

1. CUDDLING RELEASES “FEEL GOOD” CHEMICALS

Oxytocin is a versatile hormone that plays important roles in social bonding and sexual reproduction. Cuddling is one way to release this “feel good” chemical, which strengthens the connection we feel with our partner. As you’ll see later on, oxytocin also produces other pleasurable sensations.

2. CUDDLING STRENGTHENS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Both love and intimate touching stimulate the release of oxytocin. When we cuddle, our bodies create a cocktail of hormones that also help to fight infection. Put simply, intimacy (especially touch and cuddling) can provide a temporary boost to the immune system.

3. CUDDLING CAN “TAKE IT TO THE NEXT STEP”

When we engage in touch, intimate or otherwise, the brain releases a flood of dopamine. Dopamine is the brain chemical responsible for reward-motivated behavior and feelings of well-being. A warm embrace and kiss after a long day’s work, or snuggling while watching some TV, initiates a dopamine response – and this can lead to some bedroom activities.

4. CUDDLING STRENGTHENS A WOMAN’S BOND

Here again, the chemical oxytocin is at play. As mentioned, oxytocin can strengthen the bond in a relationship. This same bonding mechanism also applies to a mother and her baby. Oxytocin helps new mothers in other ways, as well. First, oxytocin eases the process of breastfeeding. Second, the chemical also encourages sleep – something that a new mother desperately needs!

5. CUDDLING CURTAILS STRESS

In a study published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology (really?), researchers discovered the potent stress-reducing effects of oxytocin:

– Oxytocin levels increase in response to a “wide variety of stressful stimuli.”

– Oxytocin suppresses physiological stress levels

– Oxytocin lowers norepinephrine (an adrenaline precursor) and decreases blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol (stress) hormones.

These stress-relieving properties are very helpful in our relationships.

6. CUDDLING EASES COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR PARTNER

Listen, we all have incredibly stressful days when nothing seems to go right. On days like this, it may be difficult to summon the energy needed to communicate with your partner. This is where cuddling comes into play.

Odds are that your partner can ably interpret when you’ve had a rough day. Instead of dwelling in your negativity, initiate some physical contact with your partner. You’ll immediately feel better, your partner will love it, and your loving behavior will communicate for you.

7. CUDDLING BENEFITS YOUR BRAIN AND BODY

While oxytocin is the primary chemical associated with touch, cuddling can positively impact our brain – it does so by influencing the hormones cortisol and dopamine.

When we’re stressing, the body releases cortisol (“the stress hormone.”) Cortisol decreases our cognitive abilities, increases anxiety, and causes hypertension (high blood pressure.)

Dopamine, for all intents and purposes, is the mirror opposite of cortisol. Dopamine, aptly labeled “the pleasure hormone,” is responsible for numerous brain functions: attention, behavior, cognition, desire, mood, and – of course – feelings of pleasure.