It’s true that you can feel better just by receiving another’s affectionate touch. After all we all have receptors in our skin that send messages directly to the brain. Just think about the last time you were given a hug or a pat on the back or someone putting their arm around your shoulders. And this feel good sense can be especially strong if the touch is given by a person whom you love or care about. In fact, it has been shown that you can get a boost of Oxytocin, often referred to as “the feel good hormone” from this sort of physical affection. This hormone promotes positive feelings and builds and maintains a positive outlook, which is why it feels so good! Research featured in Biological Psychiatry magazine explains that it’s long lasting too, the benefits of human touch given to newborns being measurable even 10 years after birth.
Similar Posts
Seeing Red Flags with a Friend’s Partner: Why Do We Do it?
Why do we look for red flags in a friend’s partner, especially when we already like them or don’t have a reason to dislike them? There’s not one simple reason why we find fault in our friend’s partner. One major reason that’s often identified is that people are jealous and threatened by their friend finding…
Financial Imbalances in Marriages
The power balance in marriages and relationships can be a constant source of stress and anxiety since most people want to have a fair say in the important decisions made in their lives. And when there is a financial inequality, it can even threaten the very foundation of a relationship. In fact, American Psychological Association…
Q&A on Understanding Eating Disorders
How serious are OSFEDs compared to other EDs, such as “typical” anorexia and bulimia?Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders (OSFED) are categorized as such due to their symptoms being less frequent or not fully meeting the criteria for specific eating disorders such as what are known as threshold EDs Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge…
Mental Health for Seniors
Mental health in seniors is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked. While age itself doesn’t guarantee an increase in depression, factors like health issues, loss of loved ones, or social isolation can contribute to higher rates of depression in older adults. It’s essential to address mental health concerns at any…
Anxiety and it’s Effect on Your Health
As a psychiatrist, I see patients every day who have medical conditions that have been triggered completely or in part by anxiety. Anxiety can have a very powerful effect on the human mind and body, especially when it’s chronic. These effects are felt in various parts of the body including the nervous, immune, cardiovascular, digestive…
Q&A: All About Toxic Positivity
What is toxic positivity? Toxic positivity is a term that refers to not only the excessive and insincere encouragement of a positive mindset but also the dismissing or invalidating of negative emotions. It can hinder authentic emotional expression and create pressure to mask true feelings, potentially causing long-term harm to overall mental well-being. Why is…
