Cuddling 101: The Health Benefits of Cuddling

Many of us enjoy a good cuddle once in a while, whether it’s with your partner, cat, dog, a stuffed animal, or just your pillow. There is something about cuddling that makes us feel good. In fact, it makes us feel so good, people have the ability to purchase cuddle time from others without the expectation of anything sexual. You may be skeptical about the health benefits of cuddling, but we’re about to explore those benefits right now!

The most important health benefit of cuddling is the release of oxytocin. This hormone is so important, it has a couple cute nicknames such as the hug hormone, cuddle chemical, and the moral molecule.

When this chemical is released, it fills your body with this happy buzz that helps lower stress levels. It also helps us to strengthen the bonds we may share with the person we are cuddling with, which is helpful if you’re cuddling with your dating partner.

Oxytocin isn’t the only hormone that’s working to make us feel good. In fact, just by being touched by another person, whether it’s as innocent as touching on the back or holding hands to even a legit cuddle session, will make you happier. Why? Because the chemicals dopamine and serotonin are also being released. When you’re happy with your relationship, your relationship will grow and when that is thriving, other aspects of your life will thrive as well.

If feeling happy isn’t reason enough to start cuddling, oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin work together to help boost your immune system too. Researchers gathered 404 adults and exposed them to a cold virus. Then the researchers asked them to cuddle with one another. While the act of cuddling didn’t cure a common cold, it did help the person experience symptoms that weren’t nearly as severe as those who didn’t cuddle with someone.

Other awesome health benefit of cuddling is the reduced amount of anxiety and stress you may feel. So the next time you’re having a bad day, come home and cuddle with someone or something. It will also lower your blood pressure and lower your heart rate. This means that whenever you say that you only need a hug, it’s not just a figure of speech. Your body could actually be in need of more oxytocin.

Interested in more incredible facts about cuddling?

Cuddling relieves pain. Just like how we said cuddling boosts your immune system, it also decreases your pain levels. Think about it, whenever your neck or back is a little sore, you usually rub it, right? This seemingly simple touch releases enough oxytocin to make you feel better.

Cuddling can deepen your relationship. We know that communication is important to your relationship, but we tend to not pay as much attention to how important a touch can be too. Instead of coming home and going about your separate ways, give your significant other a good long hug. This may not seem like a lot, but you may be surprised by how much better you’ll feel afterward.

Cuddling can lead to more. Simply by holding your partner in a non-sexual way releases dopamine, the hormone that increases intimate desire. When you are wrapped up in a loving embrace or get a nice massage, it can lead to something more — after all, coitus is a great stress reliever and it is a nice way to get some exercise in.

Cuddling helps women bond. Oxytocin isn’t just something that strengthens the bond of lovers, but it also helps strengthen the bond between mother and child. The oxytocin relaxes the mother and it helps enable sleep, even if the mother is having a hard time sleeping due to a newborn.

Cuddling reduces social anxiety. Oxytocin should just be labeled the miracle cure-all, as it can promote positive thinking and change your outlook on the world. This means that if you get a hug when you walk into a party where you don’t know anyone, you are going to feel happier and more ready to socialize with other party goers. Why, you may find that you might feel like you can charm the pants off of everyone in that room. And beings that oxytocin is flowing through your veins, you just might be able to!