The Benefits of Cuddling

Though many of you may not feel this is a very important topic, it truly is. There have been studies of babies that have been raised with the barest of touches. Feeding, cleaning, etc. Then the other babies, held and cuddled and touched often. Of course, it goes without saying that the babies that were held and cuddled were so much more happier.

Well, FYI, that does not end at any age at all. No matter your age cuddling is extraordinarily important. Physical contact with a living, breathing entity can literally be the difference between living life and getting by. There are those of us who are lucky to have a terrific significant other and when told of our need for more loving physical contact - and I am not talking about sex - take it to heart and pour on the cuddles. Just sitting together, next to each other with our skin touching, can achieve so much harmony and calmness within a person. I even read in Cosmo how important skin to skin contact is.

For those of us that don't have a live-in significant other I highly recommend a pet. A cat or dog - they come in all sizes and fit all accommodations - can give you a lot of the same satisfaction. Our dog, an 85 lb pit bull, is the biggest snuggler dog I've ever had.

When I am having a bad day and I call him and he comes to me with his tongue hanging out with a smile on his face, yes a smile on his face, and he jumps on my lap and plops all 85lbs in my lap, the warmth and love I feel coming from him is amazing.

Almost, but not quite as amazing as the feeling I get from my boyfriend when he rolls over in the middle of the night and reaches for me and just holds me. Then it is an unconscious act, yet it tells me that even when he is not awake, my feelings matter to him.

But like I said, there are many ways to get cuddling in. A huge cuddle bunny would be a child or a grandchild of yours. Or if you have none, borrow a friend's. Ask them the next time they are expecting to visit the loved ones and tag along. Or go to their house and under the guise of helping them with the kids, you are then able to get a cuddle fix in.

Or you can volunteer at a children's hospital or children's center. I know if you take but a moment to look it up on the internet you will find a place that needs volunteers to help with the looking after of the kids, and adults, that need extra care and attention.

When you are on your mission to get your cuddling in you will also see an amazing side benefit. Not only do you feel so much better, but so do they. It may sound selfish, the way I have laid it out. But it isn't, when love and physical touch is spread around, it is beneficial to all.

People need connection with other living, breathing things. It tells us we aren't alone on this planet and that we do all matter in our own simple way.