Unlock the Health Benefits of Valentine’s Day: The Science Behind Physical Affection and Wellness

In the movie Love, Actually, Hugh Grant’s character reflects on how the arrivals gate at Heathrow airport brightens his mood. Why? Because of the joyful scenes of couples greeting each other with hugs and kisses, friends reuniting, and kids running to their parents.

Airports are a perfect reminder of how much we need physical affection in our lives. It’s not just about romantic relationships; physical touch plays a huge role in our everyday happiness and health. Research shows that simple acts like hugging, cuddling, or just holding hands can bring us great benefits.

Physical affection is one of the best ways to express intimacy in romantic relationships. It’s universal—people across cultures share this experience, despite different views on love. Those in committed relationships report feeling more comfortable with intimate touch compared to single individuals. They even tend to allow their partners to touch more parts of their bodies, like their thighs or backs, than they would with friends or strangers.

Studies reveal that when people gently stroke their partners, they do so at a slower pace compared to friends or others. This slower touch can enhance feelings of pleasure and closeness. Just thinking about being touched by a partner can evoke positive feelings too.

Scientific reviews have shown that physical contact is linked to better physical and mental health. A comprehensive analysis looked at over 212 studies with about 13,000 participants. It found that touch can improve everything from sleep quality and blood pressure to reducing pain, depression, and anxiety.

Couples who express physical affection also tend to show lower blood pressure and healthier immune responses. This type of affection can promote happier emotions and a sense of calm, especially when cuddling just before or after sleep. For example, couples who cuddle tend to wake up feeling happier and more connected.

Not only does physical affection improve the quality of our relationships, it also contributes to greater relationship satisfaction and even enhances sexual satisfaction. Hugging can ease conflicts and help couples navigate disagreements without as much stress.

Interestingly, receiving physical affection can make us feel stronger. Studies show that simply holding hands can calm the brain’s threat response in women, making them feel more secure. Even imagining touch from a partner boosts our willingness to tackle tough situations.

On the flip side, a lack of physical affection, often referred to as “touch deprivation,” can lead to feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Many faced this challenge during the pandemic, highlighting how vital closeness is for our emotional health. When couples don’t show enough physical affection, they may experience lower relationship satisfaction and increased stress.

Physical affection engages our brain’s reward centers, helping lift our mood while releasing oxytocin, often called the “cuddle chemical.” This hormone fosters trust and strengthens social bonds, making affection vital for emotional well-being. Moreover, touching reduces cortisol, the stress hormone, helping us feel calmer even after a small massage.

While physical affection is important, it’s not universal. Some individuals may not enjoy touch, even from partners. People with varying attachment styles might have different comfort levels, affecting their desire for touch and intimacy. When partner preferences align, it can enhance closeness and commitment.

Looking for a way to boost affection in your relationship? Consider giving each other massages. Studies show that couples who regularly massage each other feel more connected and relaxed.

Viren Swami, Professor of Social Psychology, Anglia Ruskin University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.