Supportive touch can have many benefits, including:
Reducing stress A 2021 study found that a 20-second practice of self-compassionate touch, such as placing hands over the heart and belly, can reduce salivary cortisol levels after a stress-inducing task.
Increasing feelings of compassion Research shows that people who practice self-compassionate touch daily experience greater increases in self-compassion and reductions in stress and mental health problems.
Improving mood Touch can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which can increase feel-good hormones like oxytocin and reduce cortisol levels. This can help people feel calmer and more relaxed.
Soothing Touch can be a profoundly soothing and settling experience.
Communicating support Touch can be a nurturing way to communicate support, connection, and compassion.
Improving health Massage therapy can help with symptom management, anxiety, pain, fatigue, depression, sleep quality, and immune function.
Some ways to practice self-compassionate touch include:
