Cuddling: It Does Your Body Good

Spooning your favorite person doesn’t just feel good – it’s actually proven to be good for you. Whether taking on the role of big spoon is your preferred position, or you’re more of a little spoon (or you like to switch it up!), you’re getting some serious health benefits from this simple, zero-effort act.

Oxytocin release FTW!

When you snuggle up with your partner on the couch while binge-watching your new Netflix obsession, you’re not only being entertained by some of the best screenwriting and acting in years; your body is happily releasing oxytocin, the so-called love hormone. Oxytocin not only makes you feel amazing, but it strengthens your immune system, relieves pain (say au revoir, cramps!), and connects you to your partner which deepens your bond.

Perhaps they should call oxytocin the miracle hormone…

 

Cuddling is a gateway activity…to sex.

The more you touch your partner in a non-erotic way, the more likely you are to want to be sensual with them. Hand-holding, hugs, and snuggling are all pre-cursors to foreplay. When you feel connected and loved (and all that oxytocin is racing around inside of you), you can release dopamine, which can also be called the sex hormone.

 

Cuddling is also a gateway activity to being a social butterfly.

We love how Lifehack puts it: “Oxytocin inspires positive thinking. It helps you have an optimistic outlook on the world. Which means when you get a hug right as you arrive at the party where you only know one person, you’re going to feel happier and more social going in. You’ll feel like you can charm everyone at the party. And with oxytocin coursing through your system, you will!”

And we say “Heck yes!” to anything that reduces anxiety and makes you feel like a million bucks.

Yes, you can cuddle yourself – or your cat! – for the same benefits.

As we were researching this post, a question came up at O’a HQ: what if I’m single? It seemed like a shame that not having a special someone to spoon meant missing out on such healing powers.

We were thus delighted to learn that getting a massage, snuggling your pet, taking a warm bath, or even rubbing your own shoulders released the same oxytocin and made you feel better. Phew!

Which leads us to wonder, though: is cuddling memorable for you? Do you have specific cuddling moments that come to mind and make you think “Can’t wait to do that again?” Tell us about it!