4 Reasons Why Cuddling is Good For Your Health

People often dismiss the act of "cuddling" as something that only happens in short-lived teenage romances and cheesy romantic comedies. So you'll be surprised to learn that cuddling is actually highly beneficial to your health. Physical touch is a necessity for humans from the time we are babies. Studies have been done where they raises infants that were never held or cuddled by a real human being, and these infants failed to thrive. Some of them even died. If that's not a good enough reason to take some time out of your busy schedule and snuggle with someone you care about, then here are four other reasons.

1.) It feels good. Seems silly, right? It's not. Cuddling releases oxytocine--otherwise known as the "Feel-Good Chemical"--in your brain. It also releases endorphines, which is the same chemical that gets released when you exercise. This doesn't just apply to couples either. Getting a big hug from your friend can sometimes be the highlight of your day. Cuddling increases your overall happiness and it makes you feel good!

2.) It reduces stress and blood pressure. Research has proven that physical contact actually reduces stress. Hugging, kissing, or even something as small as hand-holding increases your oxytocine levels (which in addition to the Feel-Good Chemical is also known as the "Bonding" Chemical). It even reduces the risk of heart disease in your future!

3.) It Bonds Women with Their Babies. Cuddling has a biological role in bonding infants with their mothers. This bonding is extremely important, especially within the first hour of the baby's birth. This hour should be spent cuddling. It's as simple as that.

4.) It Helps Couples Communicate Better. Most marriage counselors agree that cuddling--and we're talking about non-sexual cuddling--is very beneficial to communication within the relationship. In fact, if your marriage counselor doesn't agree with this, you should probably find a new one. Cuddling is a way of saying, "I know what you're feeling. I understand you. I love you." It allows you to communicate things that words can't convey.