

Oxytocin is often called “the love hormone” because it is released during an orgasm.

Physical touch with a partner like cuddling, hugging, and hand holding triggers the release of oxytocin. Reaching for a loved one’s hand is a natural reaction when you’re anxious and doing so calms you down. Their cortisol (stress hormone) level was also significantly reduced. Studies found when people in stressful situations held their partner’s hand, their heart rate and blood pressure were lowered. Decreases StressĬomforting physical touch can immediately reduce stress. When we feel unsure, it provides immediate feedback that we are accepted and that we belong. We are each other’s habitat.” Holding hands creates a sense of grounding and reassurance that we belong in this human-to-human habitat. Provides a Sense of SecurityĪccording to Professor Coan, “humans are adapted to each other not unlike the way that salamanders are adapted to cool, dark damp environments. Take a look at the surprising benefits holding hands with someone you love offers both of you.
Joining hands heart trial#
Grab your partner’s hand and start your free seven day trial to learn about more science-backed ways to deepen your connection. Studies show that beyond the sense of security, hand holding has tremendous benefits for individuals and for couples. Relish relationship experts base all their coaching on evidence-based research like the work Coan is doing. A sense that we are not alone and that we belong. He says that humans hold hands for many reasons, but chief among them is the sense of security we get when we are holding someone else’s hand. In fact, University of Virginia psychology professor James Coan has dedicated a whole college class to exploring why we do it. One of the most basic and universal forms of affection is the act of holding hands.
