8 REASONS WHY PHYSICAL TOUCH is as important as PHYISCAL ACTIVITY
After writing a blog on the importance of making physical activity a part of our everyday lives, I realized that experiencing physical touch daily is equally vital for our well-being.
Firstly, let me clarify that physical touch is not having intercourse or touching only the private parts of one’s partner. It does not necessarily mean that one has to caress their spouses or be sexually involved. And, it does not only mean simply satisfying the sensual needs of one another.
So, what does it mean then? We, humans, are always in need of skin-to-skin contact with our near and dear ones. It is something that can drive us to do our best. Physical touch lets us know that we are important. It is more about feeling wanted and safe. But, it is not only a bond that is established here. Our brain also starts activating the ‘feel good’ hormones throughout our body.
Physical touch can include a hug from our children, a peck from our spouses, holding hands with our parents, resting our heads on a friend’s shoulder, lying down next to our partners or a simple touch on the cheek. It could be any type of skin-to-skin contact. And, here is why any physical touch is as important as physical activity.
Skin-to-skin contact helps us to think positively and have an optimistic outlook in general. Merely sitting close to someone can help you think better because you feel better.
As the body generates feelings of kindness during skin contact, this helps the individual to develop trust within their safe circles. You are open to accept suggestions and changes by other people around you.
Physical touch increases our dopamine levels and helps improve our moods. Perhaps some of us should have had that loving touch or hug during our pregnancies, right? Physical touch also reduces negative feelings like anxiety, stress, sadness, etc.
Some of you may be thinking that these days everything seems to be focused on improving our immune system. With the current scenario, I think we should do everything that helps our immunity, shouldn’t we? Physical touch helps improve our immune system and keeps several illnesses away.
Did you know that regular hugs can help reduce ailments associated with heart and blood? For example, hugs helps lower blood pressure and keeps your heart functioning smoothly.
Like I said in one of my morning quotes to ponder on, whenever you feel ill or low for no reason, instead of medications, sometimes spending time with someone you love will help you feel better. Having a shoulder to cry on may not solve your issue at hand but will surely help you feel lighter.
Again, giving someone a tight hug makes the other person feel safe, wanted, loved, good, etc. Your body will express your emotions through this simple hug. Try it, especially after a lover’s quarrel. 😉
A hand on someone’s shoulder can get you their attention like never before. The skin contact will force them to look at you while you speak to them. Sometimes when you are trying to get someone’s attention, do try to touch their shoulder or cheek and see how it works.
Physical touch (with good intentions) plays a significant role in everyday life. If you are the kind that wants to be untouched, try any skin-to-skin contact with friends and family and see the difference in the way you feel. You will realize how lonely your world was without it. Research shows that some people are happy and thriving even in a sexless marriage. Of course, this depends on each individual involved in the relationship. But, nevertheless, simple skin-to-skin contact does help in many ways.
What do you think of this article? How do you get your daily dose of physical touch?
Feature image by Miriam Alonso from Pexels
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58 Comments
I completely agree with you Cindy. That physical touch is so essential for overall wellbeing. I could totally identify with this post.
Thanks, Noor!
Loved this post. I’m a physical person and like to demonstrate my affection with hugs and kisses, when appropriate. It brings a different dimension to a relationship.
So, true, Varsha.
I completely agree with you! Physical touch is needed always. It has helped in lot of ways
I have always liked the depth you add in your blogs, this again is a lovely post indeed physical touch is important else we would be just robots without any feelings.
True, flavia. thanks for reading.
There’s so much I can resonate with from this post! I did not realize how much I missed hugging people until I had this crazy urge to hug my father a few days after he passed away. Physical touch is important, it really is.
Awwww. tight hugs for you, Nikita!
I used to be so averse to physical touch but over time I realized what a difference just a hug can make. Thanks for putting it into words why it’s so important to reach out and touch someone
Glad you took the right decision, Meetali.
I never knew the science behind it in this detail. But I have always experienced that a hug is good enough to help you with fatigue induced by long days! Hope we all do it even more now! 🙂
Yeah, it helps a lot, Raghav!
The importance of physical touch is undeniable. It’s what aids in human bonding. A particular example that comes to my mind is the necessity of physical contact between a mother and her new born baby – it’s vital!
Right on the dot, Kashish!
So true and reflective too.Physical touch is not just confined to external things but hug, touch all adds to the fun
Yes, Jasmine!
Touch is important but to be honest, I did not know about so much benefits of touch. Thank you for sharing.
Anytime, Mehul!
No doubt in it, that physical touch helps in keeping you happy and stressless atleast. Well, I do hug my son on daily basis to give him a feel of how much I love him.
That is awesome, Bhawna!
Yes agree physical touch plays a significant role in everyday life. Human can’t survive or be happy without skin to skin contact. It’s a kind of emotional support that we all need sometimes.
Yes, true, Abha!
I truly believe in this. I make. It a point to. Practice the same. With my kids as well. Works wonders
That’s good, Sindhu!
I could not agree more with you; physical touch is more important to feel positivity. Loved the way you explained the blog and the importance of physical touch.
Thanks, Pamela!
‘Tum ne meri dil ki baat kehdi’… too much Hindi? I know u will understand it, still… ‘u spoke my heart.’
I think a lot about this topic too and i’m so glad you’ve written about it. It was really nice to read your blog cuz I could resonate. I am even inspired to write on it…😊
All the best, Kaveri!
I so remember a time when I had my third child was more of a frigid. It is the physical touches without any sexual connotation that kept our relationship alive. But i never knew the immunity benefits
Yeah! true, Rakhi!
I totally agree with you Cindy. Physical touch does not always mean sexual attention sometimes a small hug or just holding hands is a gesture of love and care. Specially when one is feeling low a small hug or a peck on the forehead makes one feel so much better.
Yes, Shail, I am with you on this.
I absolutely agree with you. A simple touch, a mere hug definitely can provide so much comfort to both the parties involved. Sometimes, when we are lost, scared or in distress a warm hug is so much better than the comfort of the words.
Yes, true, Amritha!
OH CINDY
Just what I was thinking about just now. When I was in Mexico, Arian my grandson used to sleep with me. He would give me featherlight kisses on my cheeks and sleep with his cheek on mine.I was sleeping soundly there in spite of the pain. Now that I am back I have become a zombie again. This is real and recent proof of what you have
written in your blog. Wonderful topic. I just loved it
Thanks, Harjeet. I can totally relate with the cheek on mine while sleeping. Hope you find comfort soon!
Many of us under estimate the power of touch. A warm genuine hug can heal a broken soul and change lives.
So, true, Vasumathi. We should really include more hugs into our lives.
Well said Cindy, of course physical touch helps us in many ways, we do get our bounce back through hugs and we do all the above, along with spending some quality time together, with important conversations before going to sleep.
Thanks for passing by, Pooja!
This is such an important post. In these times of constant hustle, we forget the importance of physical touch. Even a simple warm hug can uplift the mood so much.
So, true, Jhilmil.
So true Cindy. And it has been scientifically proven too. None of us can survive without physical touch. But I didn’t know it can boost immunity too.
Yeah, research helps us learn a lot of things, Ritu!
You are right, Cindy. The human body works in its own way. We just don’t think about all the benefits but know that a hug always helps.
Always, Madhu!
Physical Touch is something people rarely stop to think about, and it is frowned upon in so many households in India. The reasons you mentioned are the reasons why we must give it a thought and practice it.
We Indians must concentrate less on food and more on health, right?
I completely agree with you! it truly does the magic and can strengthen your bond emotionally too. Sometimes, all you need is a hug and that comfort after a long day.
Thanks, Vidhya!
There’s something about a hug that makes you feel wanted. A simple act like holding hands is a kind of reassurance. So yes, physical intimacy can work on our emotional and mental well being. That of a relationship too.
True, Sonia!
i so agree with this. I specially would like to talk about kids here. As they need attention and the wanted feel. Touch would make them feel better and safe
Right on, Sadvika!
Oh yes physical touch does play an important role in making one feel important, stress free and positive.
Ya, that’s why sometimes a person need a hug or a shoulder or someone to just hold a hand.
I completely agree with you Cindy, Physical touch is actually very necessary, for reasons you have already said. Even a warm hug or a touch on the cheek does the magic.