4 More Reasons for a Kiss & Cuddle

Hey, do you like getting intimate with your partner? How about sex? Well if you said yes to both, then have we got good news for you; displaying your affections for your partner is not only good for your mood, but will positively impact your health as well.



It mainly comes down to oxytocin; this special hormone is linked to a number of positive physiological reactions including pain relief and pair bonding, and is what makes something as simple as a hug such a reassuring and satisfying act. So reassuring, in fact, that the American Psychosomatic Society reports that a brief hug and ten minutes of hand holding will greatly reduce stress and can carry on throughout the day.

This comes as great news for couples, especially considering that we’re less than 2 weeks away from Valentine’s Day, the lovin’-est, touchin’-est time of year. Take our word for it, and treat your health to these following moves for all the right reasons;



Talking: Simply spending no-touch time together with your romantic partner makes you feel at ease, and lowers blood pressure as well, according to a study out of the State University of New York at Oswego. This finding correlates with a number of previous studies that show less instances of heart disease among married people – bonus!



Cuddling: While we’re talking about communication, did you know that cuddling (otherwise known as ‘endurance hugging’) is an effective way to tell your partner what you can’t say with words? This is the case, according to marriage and family therapist David Klow, who told Shape Magazine that cuddling “Non-verbal communication can be a very powerful way to say to your partner ‘I get you,’”. Additional to this is the release of that sweet oxytocin, which will embolden the feelings of closeness you both share.



Kissing: Some good smoochin’ will not only raise your levels of oxytocin and serve to reduce stress, but kissing also helps to keep your mouth clean; when you kiss, you’re also flushing bacteria and plaque away from your teeth – so brush, floss, rinse and pucker up!



SEX!: The health-related reasons to be enjoying more sex are numerous, enough so that some physicians recommend 200 orgasms a year to reap the most benefits. And what benefits they are! Not only will a racy romp burn off a couple calories, it will also bolster your immune system, making you more resistant to colds and the flu.
And while you’re adding some extra TLC to your fitness routine, don’t forget about diet and exercise – namely, foods and workouts that bolster and enhance your sexual performance. 

Next article: How to choose your first sex toy