Although it looks trivial, holding hands with a partner turns out to be beneficial. Physical touch such as holding hands has benefits for both physical and mental health. Even by holding hands, stress levels can decrease.
Physical interaction between lovers is not just an intimate relationship. In addition to holding hands, hugging, and kissing can also have a positive effect. Here are some of the good effects of hand holding on health:
Calming Effect
A study of dozens of married couples in their 30s with the category of happy married life, was conducted to prove this. The wife was tested with a mild electric shock to the ankle and monitored for warnings of impending shock and her reaction to brain activity.
When notification was given to the wives that they would be electrocuted, there was an increase in brain activity through an examination using an fMRI (functional MRI). However, when the wives were electrocuted while holding their husband's hands, the picture of activity in their brains seemed calmer.
The same thing is also seen in toddlers, when the child is restless and restless, the Little One will seek physical touch from his parents or caregivers. When children get physical touch, such as holding hands from their parents, they will feel calm. Then slowly the stress and anxiety will disappear, and your little one will feel more comfortable.
Relieve Stress
Holding hands can slow the heart rate, lower blood pressure, and reduce the production of stress hormones. This is because at the moment when there is physical contact with loved ones, the body will produce more of a brain chemical called serotonin which causes feelings of happiness, and reduces the production of cortisol which is a stress hormone. As a result, the tension and stress you feel are reduced because you feel more relaxed.
Holding hands not only strengthens the bond with a partner, but in a long-term marriage relationship, it contributes positively to physical and mental health. The reason is, when touching each other, the body experiences an increase in the hormone oxytocin (the love hormone) which helps maintain feelings of deep attachment.
Increase Endurance
As a result of reducing stress levels, research shows that holding hands will also help increase endurance. Chronic stress can interfere with brain function that regulates the immune system.
When you're stressed, the hormone cortisol is released, making you more prone to getting sick or feeling pain. Conversely, when stress levels drop, the body will be better able to fight infection and pain.
One of the proofs is through research on 22 couples, whose wives are currently giving birth. When the husband holds his wife's hand, the pain experienced by the wife is reduced. In fact, the study also found that the rhythm of their breath and heart rate became the same.
Maintaining a harmonious relationship with your partner is very important. Expressing love for your partner with simple actions, such as holding hands, has been shown to reduce stress. Complete it by taking advantage of vacation time together, so that your relationship is more harmonious.
