It’s not a coincidence that getting a warm hug or snuggling with a puppy seems to boost your happiness. Welcome physical contact can actually lower blood pressure and heart rate while increasing your immune system and relieving pain.1 Scientifically, it can even make you happier and less anxious!
Hugging is the easiest and most effective way to get that happy boost. Have you ever noticed that when you’re having a bad day, if someone gives you a genuine hug some of those negative feelings seem to have vanished? You feel lighter somehow. That blissful feeling is actually a steady flow of the feel-good brain chemicals oxytocin and serotonin being released—cool, right?!2
A person’s touch isn’t the only thing that can have this effect. The feel of something pleasant (think a fluffy warm blanket) can increase happiness, as well. Some of the most pleasant feelings in the world come from our sense of touch. Slipping into cozy sweatpants after a long day in jeans, bundling up with a soft blanket, snuggling with a fluffy puppy (or any canine, really)?all of these little things can make your happiness soar!
Make the most of out of your sense of touch this week and pay attention to how it can affect your mood. You might be surprised with the difference it can make!
Article Sources
1 http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/01/05/touching.makes.you.healthier.health/
2 http://www.gretchenrubin.com/happiness_project/2009/05/be-happier-kiss-more-hug-more-touch-more/