Cuddle Up & Reap the Rewards

January is known to have some of the coldest days and nights, of the year. Sooo...what better way to stay warm while reaping health benefits than to cuddle? Today is the perfect day to do just that and celebrate, National Cuddle Up Day. Whether it’s brass monkey weather or perhaps just a nip in the air, there are multiple benefits to cuddling with someone you love, your kiddos (don't freak out or put a weird negative twist to that-you know what I mean if you're a parent.) or even your pet.

Cuddling is scientifically proven to have huge health benefits. For example, it releases oxytocin. This hormone alone has tremendous health benefits. Besides giving us warm and fuzzy feelings, oxytocin reduces pain. So when the cold has made those muscles and joints ache, cuddling can help reduce those aches and pains.

Oxytocin is also good for your heart and proven studies show it can help reduce heart disease, decrease blood pressure, stress and anxiety. If it weren’t free, cuddling would probably be covered by health insurance since it has such a huge health benefit!

Communication is key in any relationship and is so much more than just e-mails, texts or conversation. Physical touch can communicate trust, commitment, safety and reassurance. Cuddling expresses all these things which are vital to a healthy relationship.

Cuddling also is known to release the hormone dopamine, which is linked to improving memory and focus.

Happy National Cuddle Up Day...Cuddle up with someone you love.

xoxo,