I don’t know about you, but with the decline of in-person interaction though COVID-19, it became super clear to me how much those interactions with others really mean to me, and my wellbeing. Especially when I started to see them disappear.
Aside from just seeing people, healthy physical touch is vital. Our need for it is so important that in its absence, infant death can result!
Okay, that’s extreme, but even as adults we need physical connection. Oxytocin, aka the “love hormone,” or the “happy hormone,” is released when we are in a calm state of mind.
Even a six second hug releases this chemical cocktail. Yes, there is science behind the six seconds. That’s how long the hug should last before you can feel the result of the connection.
Massage is another great way to get the benefits of releasing this happy hormone.
The result is a reduction of our stress levels through cortisol reduction.
Some other activities to get this benefit are: yoga, music, quality time with others, sex – yep, gratitude, and animals. All feel good stuff to up your happy game!
Try hugging someone today for at least six seconds and let me know what you think. Did you feel your mood start to shift? It’s such a small thing with a huge impact, and the best thing is that both people benefit!
