Grandma’s Stories

Jan 6th “NATIONAL CUDDLE UP DAY”

Each year on January 6th, National Cuddle Up Day encourages us to snuggle up with someone for the health benefits and more!

January typically has some of the coldest days of the year, so what better way to stay warm and reap the health benefits of cuddling on National Cuddle Up Day? Whether it’s a three-dog night (a night so cold it takes three dogs to cuddle up with to stay warm) or only slightly chilly, there are multiple benefits to cuddling with a human or canine, or other pet.

Cuddling releases oxytocin. This hormone alone has tremendous health benefits. Besides giving us warm and fuzzy feelings, oxytocin reduces pain. So when the cold has made those muscles and joints ache, cuddling can help reduce those aches and pains.

Oxytocin also helps reduce heart disease, lowers blood pressure, stress, and anxiety. Of course, insurance carriers would probably cover cuddling if it weren’t free since it’s such a huge health benefit!

Communication is more than just e-mails, texts, or conversations. Physical touch also communicates trust, commitment, safety, and reassurance. This goes for human-to-human contact as well as human-to-pet contact; cuddling expresses all these things, which are vital to a healthy relationship.

Cuddling also boosts sexual desire. Dopamine is released, stimulating the brain to seek pleasure. But dopamine also can improve memory and focus as well.

Don’t have someone to cuddle up with? Make an appointment for a massage. Studies show massage provides similar benefits.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCuddleUpDay

Schedule a cuddle-up session with someone you love. Invite your pet up on the sofa for a snuggle session or schedule a massage.

Before you take part in a round of snuggling, take stock of your mood. What are your aches and pains? Rate them on a scale of 1-10. Do you feel a bit like an ogre? You know, slightly moody or overly cloudy.

After you soak up the benefits of your cuddle up, re-evaluate your pain, your mood. Was there an improvement? Did you get a dose of oxytocin, a natural mood boost, and pain relief? If so, remember to use #NationalCuddleUpDay to share on social media. 

NATIONAL CUDDLE UP DAY HISTORY

We continue researching the origins of this snuggly holiday. 

Cuddle Up FAQ

Q. Can I just get a hug instead?
A. Absolutely! Hugs are very beneficial, too.

Q. Does it need to be cold to cuddle?
A. No. Cuddling can happen any time of year, but it’s understandable to prefer cuddling during the cooler months.

 

“Like to make you  feel… comfy cozy”

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