By Times Team
Copyright times
MICHELLE KEENAN empowers people and organisations to achieve optimal well-being by providing customised wellness coaching programmes tailored to their unique goals.
When was the last time you shared a warm hug, a reassuring pat on the back, or even a simple handshake?
Human touch might seem like a small thing, but science shows it plays a powerful role in our well-being.
In a post-pandemic world, we’ve become more conscious of the risks of close physical contact, but touch is one of our most basic human needs.
From the moment we’re born, physical contact helps us feel safe, soothed, and connected.
As adults, the benefits don’t disappear, in fact, the opposite is true – they become even more important in a world where many of us spend hours behind screens, and more people are living increasingly isolated lives.
Research shows that touch releases oxytocin, sometimes called the “love hormone”.
This one hormone helps reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost feelings of trust and connection.
Touch also reduces feelings of anxiety, irritability, and even depression, by lowering levels of cortisol, which is one of the “stress hormones”.
It’s not just about hugs, either. A handshake at the start of a meeting can build rapport. A hand on the shoulder can communicate support without words.
Even high-fives after a team wins can strengthen bonds. These small gestures reinforce our sense of belonging and remind us we’re not alone.
Of course, not everyone is comfortable with touch, and cultural norms play a role too.
Consent and respect are key, and connection should always feel safe and welcome. But when it is, the impact can be profound.
So, how can you bring more healthy touch into your life? Hug your loved ones more often, and for longer – hugs lasting five to 20 seconds really maximise the benefits!
Book yourself in for a therapeutic massage now and then. Offer a handshake or high-five when it feels right.
And as every pet owner knows from experience, spending time patting, grooming and cuddling your pet also has the same positive effects, so make time for your furry family members too.
www.michellekeenan.com
