Get handsy. Simply touching your partner can lower stress and boost your mood, says a new Swiss study.
People who hugged, caressed, and held hands with their partner in an affectionate, non-sexual way were significantly more likely to report feeling happy and satisfied than those who didn’t have much physical contact.
And yes, it’s the touching that leads to good vibes—not the other way around, explains study coauthor Andrea B. Horn, Ph.D., of the University of Zurich. As evidence, she cites past research from the University of Miami that found both giving and receiving massages lowers anxiety, depression, and stress—even among strangers.
Why? Human beings are social animals, and you have a psychological need for personal contact, the research suggests. Touch boosts feelings of intimacy and connectedness, which in turn pumps up your sense of security and contentment, the study authors say.
In the study, romantic partners who touched each other affectionately at least once every 4 hours reported the most psychological benefits. You probably can’t spend all day around your girlfriend, but hugging whenever you meet up or part ways, or just exchanging a quick cheek pat or shoulder squeeze is enough to inflate your good feelings for hours, the research shows.
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