Thank you for visiting my blog today, I am continually surprised on what a supportive community the blogging community is.
Today I visited and was inspired by another blogger who writes ” Okanagan Valley View“. I read a few of her posts and one mentioned hand-holding and it sparked my blog post for today. I am going to talk about Holding Hands, Hugging, and the wonderful burrowing people together we call cuddling or snuggling. Who knew that something so healthy needed no prescription?
I still remember a girl in high school telling me I was a “hugger”, and I suppose I still am and so was my Mom.
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Holding Hands for your health
Who else remembers the excitement first holding hands with someone?
I sure do, my heart beat so quickly and I probably wouldn’t have been brave enough if not for the darkness of the movie theatre.
LOL, I was not the most intrepid high school male but maybe if I had known then about the health benefits I might have been more brave. Nah, probably not.
According to one internet link there is actual science behind the health benefits of hand-holding. See here.
- Hand-holding improves our quality of life.
- It can stimulate feelings of love. (support, and caring)
- Hand-holding decreases the stress hormone – cortisol.
- It increases oxytocin which increases empathy and communication.
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Hugging for your Health
Now hugging is something I enjoy doing, I enjoy hugging people, family, good friends, people I appreciate and it has always felt natural. Even if I was too shy to express myself verbally, then a hug I hoped spoke how I valued that person.
This time my internet source is the Cleveland Clinic and they had a few things to say about the health benefits of hugging.
- Like hand-holding, hugging releases the stress hormone cortisol,
- Hugging may also decrease high blood pressure and lower your heart rate (and better for your liver than drugs ♥),
- Hugging can strengthen your immune system,
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Snuggle – Cuddle For your health
Nothing beats a nice snuggle/cuddle. There are many forms of the snuggle/cuddle.
- The head on the shoulder while looking outward together,
- The burrowing head under the chin snuggle which can be enjoyed for feels like an eternity.
- The spoon to warm up cuddle (where did those cold feet come from?)
- The snuggle / hug that says you are special,
Whether you “cuddle” or “snuggle” – you are talking about the same action; the drawing close together and pressing against one another.
The health benefits are the same as hand-holding, and hugging which is that Snuggling/Cuddling causes the pituitary gland to produce oxytocin which displaces cortisol.
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I hope you enjoyed your health lesson today – no prescription required – no dosage limitations. See you soon I hope.
♥ Hugs ! – David
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I promised a movie quote; This is from Casablanca
“I’m shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on here!”
(The croupier hands him his money.) “…Your winnings, sir.”
“Oh, thank you very much!”
See here (20 seconds)
Life and Random Thinking 
Love these happy pics! Touch is so important.
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Happy pics indeed! thank you for adding your nice comment, and I agree. I think many people have commented during the pandemic the health costs attributed to loneliness, lack of personal contact. – David
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I love snuggling, hugging, holding hands and it does make me feel better. We hold hands in bed while watching Netflix together and I am enjoying hugging friends that I haven’t seen for a while. Loved the donkeys!
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We are the same. We watch Netflix holding hands, and laugh. Receiving and giving hugs to people is truly one of life’s pleasures. I am glad you enjoyed the photos choices. – hugs ! – Dave
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That is so sweet to hear. Sending a hug right back to you and yours. 😍
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Those are great lessons. Such easy ways to increase our feel-good hormone. Thanks for sharing.
Many hugs to you too,
Shweta
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Some of lessons are so simple. Thank you for your hugs, and I return them to you ☺ It is amazing how much as people we connect especially via touch, it’s a recharge situation and I hope your day is filled with smiles and hugs. – Dave
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Indeed. It does feel like a recharge indeed. I hope you have a great day 😃
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holding hands is WAY under rated!!! 🙂
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It’s true and I applaud your comment. When we hold hands, we connect and it’s more than physical. – Thank you ! – Dave
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exactly!!!! 🙂
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Hugging is in my nature too David. One of the best compliments I ever received was when my now daughter-in-law told my son he was the best hugger. His response was, “you can thank my Mom for that, she is the the ultimate hugger. She taught me well”. Hope you are well my friend.💕
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Ultimate Hugger ! – I smiled huge when I read that. Thanks Lynn. Hugs ♥
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Wonderful reminder of not only the simple pleasures but the health benefits of touching, hugging, snuggling, and holding hands. Great post David! Loved the pics, warmly, C
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We love this kind of medicine ! Thanks for reading and commenting Cheryl. ᓚᘏᗢ
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🤗
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Great post, Dave. With more of us getting a second vaccine, I look forward to hugging old friends soon. Haven’t seen many of them in person for a long time.
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Thanks Debra. I gather you are a hugger also; how are you enjoying your new flexibility in time usage? – David
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I’m enjoying it very much, Dave. Get to write a fair bit these days and see my granddaughter once a week. I’ll be doing more babysitting when my daughter returns to work in August, so another change coming!
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Such simple things but really go a long way in making one feel supported, loved and cared for.❤️❤️
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Thank you G ♥ It is the simple things that really touch us I think. Welcome to my blog. I look forward your comments. – David
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