THE PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF HOLDING HANDS
Human touch is a powerful form of communication that can convey a range of emotions, from love and affection to comfort and reassurance. Holding hands, in particular, is a common form of physical touch that has been associated with numerous psychological benefits. In this blog post, we will explore the ways in which holding hands can improve your mood, as well as the scientific research that supports these claims.
The Psychological Benefits of Holding Hands
One of the primary psychological benefits of holding hands is that it can reduce stress and anxiety. When we hold hands with someone we care about, our bodies release oxytocin, a hormone that is known to promote feelings of relaxation and calm. This can help to lower our heart rate and blood pressure, reducing the physical symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Holding hands can also improve our mood by increasing feelings of social support and connectedness. When we hold hands with someone, we feel a sense of closeness and intimacy that can help to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are going through a difficult time, such as a breakup or the loss of a loved one.
In addition to these psychological benefits, holding hands can also improve our physical health. Research has shown that physical touch can help to boost our immune system, reducing our risk of illness and infection. This is thought to be because touch stimulates the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off disease.
Holding hands is a simple yet powerful way to improve our psychological and physical well-being. By promoting feelings of relaxation, social support, and physical health, holding hands can have a profound impact on our overall quality of life.
Scientific Research
Numerous studies have been conducted on the psychological benefits of touch, including holding hands. One study published in the journal PLOS ONE found that physical touch, including holding hands, can reduce the perception of pain. Participants in the study who received physical touch reported a 64% reduction in pain compared to those who did not receive touch.
Another study published in the journal Scientific Reports found that holding hands can help to synchronise brain waves between two individuals. This can promote feelings of empathy and understanding, as well as increase feelings of social connectedness.
A study published in the journal Emotion found that physical touch, including holding hands, can reduce the negative effects of stress. Participants in the study who received physical touch before a stressful event reported lower levels of stress and anxiety compared to those who did not receive touch.
Holding hands is a simple yet powerful form of physical touch that can have numerous psychological and physical benefits. By promoting feelings of relaxation, social support, and physical health, holding hands can improve our overall quality of life. The scientific research supports these claims, demonstrating that physical touch, including holding hands, can reduce pain, synchronize brainwaves, and reduce the negative effects of stress. If you are looking for a simple way to improve your mood and promote feelings of well-being, consider holding hands with someone you care about.
References
1. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0246753