Snuggling or Cuddling – Is it Beneficial? Believe it or not, science has shown, through a number of studies, that cuddling is beneficial to your well-being. Right now, you may be asking, can that be true? And the answer is a very definite yes.
The effects of cuddling have been given the nickname the ‘Cuddle Hormone’ because,
when you experience the act of cuddling, in that physical touch, oxytocin is released into
your body. What is oxytocin? It is known as the ‘feel-good hormone’ or ‘cuddle
hormone’. Produced by the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland releases it and causes
you to get that warm feeling inside.
It has also been proven that with skin-on-skin contact dopamine and serotonin hormones are released, giving that same feel-good feeling. Cuddling can help build up steady levels of serotonin, helping you achieve restful sleep.
According to Dawn Maslar, the love biologist, two chemicals, dopamine and vasopressin, are important to the chemistry of men falling in love. For women, the two necessary chemicals are dopamine and oxytocin. Notice how oxytocin and dopamine are both connected to cuddling and skin-on-skin contact?
When oxytocin is released, your body can experience reduced stress, less depression,
and less anxiety. You should begin to feel relaxed, comfortable, and secure. The
benefits are both emotional and physical. Take a look at the list below and ask yourself,
“Could I benefit from improving in any of these items? If the answer is yes, maybe you
should think about trying to work some additional cuddling or snuggling into your life.
Emotional Benefits are as follow:
- Comfort
- Intimacy
- Confidence
- Hope
- Trust
- Lovingness
- Closeness
The Physical Benefits are as follow:
- Eliminating Stress
- Increasing your Immune System
- Lowering Anxiety
- Decreasing Depression
- Lower Blood Pressure
- Reduce Weight
Now, how much time does one need to cuddle to reap the benefits of this phenomenon?
Well, everyone is different but researchers think the perfect hug time should be for five
seconds. But researchers are split on this because there is actually a rule called the ‘Six
Second Rule’ that says, if the hug is six seconds or longer, we elevate or heighten our mood-boosting hormone. Others say, that when a hug lasts for more than 20 seconds
that is when your body really experiences oxytocin.
If we take the data before us, we can extrapolate that it takes six seconds to start the process of releasing the ‘Cuddle Hormone’ and by 20 seconds, we are full-blown into the feel-good hormone. What is the amount of time we should try to snuggle? Again, anything is better than nothing, but if
you can try to cuddle for 20-40 minutes a day for at least three days and preferably five
days per week, you will reap the benefits.
A concept that should be discussed is the difference between friendly cuddling and
romantic cuddling. Friendly cuddling has the word in it to remind you that you are friends
and we are not talking about ‘friend with benefits’ but the ‘friendzone’.
This is done when you are comfortable with one another, watching a movie, shopping the farmer’s market together holding arms, or when tired. There is no contact of skin or touching of private
regions; it is innocent. However, romantic cuddling is done with the one you are intimate
with, your partner.
Usually, less clothing is worn and there is touching that can take place and yes, hand-on-skin contact. It has also been known to lead to foreplay. For instance, some western men tend to like to snuggle their partner with their hand holding onto their partner’s breast. It is an act that brings comfort to both parties.
Maybe you are in a new relationship and you do not know when you can start to cuddle. The answer is, after the first kiss or by the second date. By the second date it is okay to be holding hands. Because holding hands is the act of touching each other, you are now cuddling.
Another situation that you might be thinking about is, I am all by myself; what do I do to get cuddling for myself?
If you find yourself in one of the situations below, the next two options could be a good fit for you.
- You are starved for touch.
- You have too much stress in your life.
- You may be going through things in your personal life.
- You live by yourself.
- You are alone in the world.
Believe it or not there are places where you can go to have a ‘Cuddle Session.’ This solution may be hard at first for some. Part of what makes cuddling and snuggling so good for us is that it lets you relax and let your guard down. This can be very hard to do with a complete stranger. But, after you get passed the ‘stranger’ stage and find them to be more of an acquaintance, you will benefit by the session. Remember, this would be in the category of a friendly cuddle, so no touching.
The other solution is to get yourself a pet. So, fish are out. They may be wonderful to have as a pet, but they will not give you that one-on-one touch that you are looking for.
Pets are a lot of reasonability, but they do bring so much love and joy to your life. You have to be choosy, pick the pet that works for you. Remember you are looking to be able to touch them and them to touch you. It can be as simple as a paw on your hand
or, against my better judgment, a snake slithering up your arm. Studies have shown that animals do bring comfort to us.
Where can you cuddle?
Cuddling can be as simple as holding hands so this act can be done in a number of places.
Indoor:
- Watching TV
- Movie Night
- Movie Theater
- Baking or Cooking Together
- Café or Restaurant
- Game Night
- Reading Together
- Playing Video Games Together
Outdoor:
- Picnic
- Concert
- Carnival
- Farmer’s Market
- Stargazing
- Walking Hand in Hand
The act of cuddling is a must in order to have a healthier and happier life. With friendly
cuddling, you get the benefit of less stress and more comfort. While with romantic
cuddling, you get all the benefits that you get with friendly cuddling, but you also get the
intimacy and closeness that you have with your partner through touch and play.
Remember to have fun and always keep things consensual.