National Cuddle Up Day
National Cuddle Up Day, which falls on January 6th, encourages us to snuggle up with someone for the health benefits and more.
On National Cuddle Up Day, January is typically one of the year's coldest days, so what better way to stay warm and reap the health benefits of cuddling? Cuddling with a human or canine, or another species of dog can be chilly on a three-dog night (a night so cold it takes three dogs to cuddle up with to remain warm) or just marginally chilly, there are several benefits to cuddling with a human or canine, as well as another pet.
Cuddling produces oxytocin. This hormone alone has major health benefits. Oxytocin reduces pain by giving us warm and fuzzy feelings. So, if the cold has made those muscles and joints ache, cuddling can help eliminate those aches and pains.
Oxytocin also helps prevent heart disease, lowers blood pressure, stress, and anxiety. Of course, insurance companies would certainly cover cuddling if it weren't free, but it isn't free since it's such a significant health benefit!
More than just e-mails, texts, or chats, communication is more than just e-mails, emails, or chats. Physical contact also conveys confidence, commitment, security, and reassurance. This refers both human-to-human and human-to-pet communication, as well as human-to-pet interaction; cuddling refers to all of these aspects that are essential to a healthy relationship.
Cuddling also raises sexual appetite. Dopamine is released, stimulating the brain to crave pleasure, which is a source of dopamine. But dopamine can also help memory and focus.
Don't have someone to cuddle with? Make a massage appointment. Massage has similar health benefits, according to studies.
#nationalcuddleupday is a nationalcuddleupday, so here's how to celebrate #nationalcuddleupday
With someone you love, schedule a cuddle-up session. For a snuggle session or schedule a massage, bring your pet up on the couch.
Take stock of your mood before you enroll in a round of snuggling. What are your aches and pains? On a scale from 1 to 10. Isn't it a bit like an ogre? You know, whether it's slightly moody or overly cloudy.
Re-evaluate your pain and your mood after you soak up the benefits of your cuddle up. Was there an improvement? Was there one? Did you get a dose of oxytocin, a natural mood booster, and pain relief? If so, use #NationalCuddleUpDay to post on social media.
The national cuddle up day in history has a day in history
We're still looking into the sources of this cuddy holiday.
Cuddle up FAQ
Q. Can I just get a hug instead?
Yes, absolutely! Hugs are also very helpful.
Q. Does it have to be cold to cuddle?
A. No. A. No. A. No. Cuddling can happen any time of year, but it's understandable to prefer cuddling in the cooler months.
