A study from the University of Virginia (USA) shows that holding hands can help reduce activity in the hypothalamus of the brain, thereby diminishing stress reactions.
Tiffany Field, director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami (USA), explains that a series of complex reactions occur beneath the skin when you touch someone or are touched. The result of these reactions is a slower heartbeat and lower blood pressure. A simple, warm gesture from a loved one can have a significant impact on what is happening in your mind and heart.
Here are five benefits of holding hands with someone you trust.
Increased oxytocin levels help you feel closer and more connected to someone.
Activates the Love Hormone
Physical touch can help initiate the production of oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone.” According to a study by Swedish scientists, elevated oxytocin levels make you feel closer and more bonded to someone. The orbitofrontal cortex is stimulated when you experience physical contact such as holding hands. This area of the brain is also activated when you taste something sweet like chocolate or smell something pleasant.
Provides a Sense of Safety
Socially, two people holding hands indicate that they are companions. This act signifies trust, whether between romantic partners or close friends.
It’s important to remember that not all cultures view hand-holding as a romantic gesture. Similar to a kiss on the cheek, holding hands is an action shared among friends in many places around the world. Even in the smallest moments, such as holding hands while waiting at a traffic light or sitting in a movie theater, this act can provide a sense of reliability.
Helps Reduce Stress
In a 2021 study from Germany, researchers found that physical touch has a protective effect against physiological stress responses. This does not mean that all your worries will disappear completely, but your body will produce less cortisol, a stress hormone present in high amounts.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Field mentions an experiment where a group of people was asked to perform a stressful task. Those who received hugs or held hands were found to have lower blood pressure and heart rates.
In another study published in the journal Behavioral Medicine, researchers explored the relationship between blood pressure and short-term physical touch. They discovered that the group assigned to hold hands for 10 minutes while watching a romantic video and received a 20-second hug maintained lower blood pressure and heart rates when asked to speak in front of an audience, compared to the group that rested for 10 minutes and 20 seconds before being asked to do the same.
Soothes Emotional Pain
Holding your partner’s hand may not completely free you from all physical and mental conflicts. However, a study from the National Library of Medicine explored the impact of physical touch on pain.
Participants in the study were asked to recall emotionally painful memories, some of whom held their partner’s hand while doing so, while others squeezed a stress ball. Researchers found that holding hands did not immediately lessen the painful emotions but provided a greater sense of comfort. Participants also reported that those who had physical contact while recalling painful memories had a better mood.
