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.
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