Why Cuddling Is Good for Your Soul and Your Health

Cuddling inherently reminds us of our childhood. Why? When we are young, we are held and cuddled, making us feel safe, comfortable, and loved. Subconsciously as adults, we still want to have that safety, comfort, and love from someone or something – whether it be a person, pet, or stuffed teddy bear. What other perks are there to cuddling someone or something? Let’s discuss!

Eases Stress

Cuddling with someone you love and care about is good for your emotional and physical well-being. The act makes your body release a hormone called oxytocin, which calms you down, lowers blood pressure, and decreases cortisol, the stress hormone.

Strengthens Mental Health

Being physically close to another person shows your brain that you’re important. You’re worth the time and affection that goes into cuddling, whether a short hug or a long, fall-asleep-in-your-partner’s-arms session. As a result, anxiety and depression are put at bay, and your mental health prospers.

Helps You Communicate Emotions

Cuddling can communicate deep emotions such as love, gratitude, and sympathy. Generally speaking, almost any emotion can be displayed with cuddling: It’s all in the way touch is expressed and the closeness exhibited.

Strengthens Your Bond With Your Partner

As mentioned, cuddling produces oxytocin, which health experts call the love hormone. It’s no surprise you have more of this hormone in your bloodstream after hugging or holding your partner. Side note: If you’re a couple that kisses, cuddles, and hugs often, your relationship will likely be happier and healthier.

Helps Sleep

Again, we circle back to oxytocin. As stated, it can have a super-calming effect on the brain and body, which is why falling asleep while spooning is common. Why do you wake up moments after the cuddling comes to a halt? Probably because you were so comfortable and at ease, your body wants to demand more.

Popular Cuddling Positions

• The Spoon: This position requires one person to be the “big spoon” and the other to be the “little spoon.” As the “big spoon,” your job is to wrap your arms around your partner while lying side by side. Visually, your stomach should be pressing against their lower back. The closer, the better!
• The Honeymoon Hug: It’s called the honeymoon hug because the two of you are practically entwined with each other. In this cuddling position, you are facing each other while entangling your limbs.
• The Lap Pillow: Laying down in your partner’s lap is the perfect cuddling position for a Netflix binge day. Not only does it give you ample aim to drop down and sneak a few kisses, but it’s also super comfy – better than a pillow, some would say!
• The Half Spoon: Here, you’ll be close enough to feel protected and safe but far enough that you each can breathe your own air. The big spoon drapes an arm over the little spoon’s shoulder while lying down, back flat against the surface. Meanwhile, the little spoon hugs the dominant partner with their free hand and leg.

What’s your favorite cuddling position? Share with us in the comments below!