Human beings are social creatures born with an innate need for touch as a primary means of learning and communication. In fact, it is the very first sensory system to develop in the womb and will continue to function even after hearing and sight have failed in old age. Quite literally, it helps us to stay ‘in touch’ with the world.
With the COVID-19 pandemic and the advancement of technology, human exposure has been somewhat limited. However, the human craving for this connection has never gone away. Mental health experts say we need four hugs a day for survival, eight for maintenance, and twelve for growth. It may seem overwhelming to hug more than ten times a day, but at least it’s better than prioritizing connecting with devices over connecting with other people.
On the surface, a pat or a hug can seem relatively insignificant, but it can do wonders for your mental and physical health. As they say, “Touch is the mother of all senses.” Experiencing this can help you grow emotionally. Touch was the first sense to develop in the embryo, and it’s basically what makes us human. It’s essential to all human interactions and gives us a sense of reality.
Let’s delve deeper into how touch can impact us and how we can get more of it.
Did you know that the effect of touch starts even before we are born? The embryo is responsive to touch, even before the full development of the fetus at around 8 weeks, even before facial features have developed fully. It’s through this sense of touch that the baby learns about the outside world. When the child is born, they rely heavily on touch, and this plays a fundamental role in early psychosocial behavior. Moreover, a health report also suggests that touch interventions affect the weight gain, respiration, and stress hormone cortisol in newborns.
Children who struggle with mental health conditions tend to feel less anxious and depressed after a half-hour back massage. It demonstrates the importance of touch in early childhood development.
Sometimes, the reasons behind being stressed out can simply be a failure to be given something basic and essential. Lack of touch is one of the significant developmental stressors we suffer from. The craving for physical touch doesn’t fade as one grows older. In fact, for adults, lack of non-sexual touch can have several adverse effects, like loneliness, depression, anxiety issues, and, in some cases, even eating disorders.
Human skin has about 5 million touch receptors, and when it is stimulated through touch, it can lead to a drop in cortisol, the stress hormone, and a rise in oxytocin, the feel-good hormone. Touch also increases the release of serotonin, which is the anti-pain chemical and natural antidepressant in the body.
How To Stay ‘In Touch’?
The act of touching involves many senses, including pressure, muscle movement, temperature, and pain. These stimuli depend on the source, communicating good and bad messages to the brain. Have you ever wondered why getting a massage can have an instant de-stressing effect? A massage affects the hypothalamic region in the brain and increases endorphins while decreasing stress hormones, giving you a great sense of peace and relief.
In today’s world, heavily driven by technology, the importance of touch is more important than ever before. Seek out ways to involve physical touch healthily. Even a simple gesture, such as a pat on the back or a handshake, when you’re playing a sport to communicate your support, can improve performance and bonding between team members. Be intentional about reaching out and hugging your loved ones, sitting close to them, and holding their hands for a little bit longer. These are subtle actions that convey deep meanings and create a profound impact.
Replace your dependency on online interaction with the intimacy of human connection. Turn off your mobile phones during meals and at bedtime, and allow space for physical closeness. Look people in their eyes and genuinely listen to them when they speak. Participate in activities that bring people together physically, such as gardening, dancing, cooking, and playing. When you engage your body and senses in connection with other people, it can help you feel more aware, alive, and whole.
It’s also worth mentioning here that many new parents are misled to believe that responding to their baby every time they cry can create a spoiled child. This is far from the truth. In fact, babies who are carried and touched more tend to cry less than babies who are left to cry without any comfort. By holding the baby in response to their cry, the mother is non-verbally communicating that the child is loved.
While physical touch is indeed empowering, it’s essential to understand and respect personal boundaries. People may have varying comfort levels with physical touch due to cultural, individual, or situational factors. While most people would love a hug, others may also need more space, so you need to be attuned to these nuances and respond with understanding. Sometimes, a kind word or a simple smile could be more appropriate than a hug!
Final Thoughts
What do we instinctively want to do when we see something new? Undoubtedly, to touch it. This is why we see children reaching out to touch things around them; it’s nearly impossible for them to get by without the act of touching. In fact, touch is so vital to our social, emotional, and physical well-being that lack of touch can affect emotional and physical growth.
Holding a baby can instantly soothe them, a hug from a friend during a difficult time can heal you, a gentle touch between lovers can communicate far more than words ever could, and a reassuring pat can instill confidence and motivation.
Touch is an instinctive and compelling way to stay connected as humans. We are all dependent on touch to comfort us, reassure us, and ground us. Whether it’s a soft hand on the shoulder, a heartfelt hug, or a squeeze of the hand, the simple act of touching can calm the nervous system and remind you that you are not alone.
