Cute Puppy Love

IT HELPS BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

Cuddling, or even hugging, someone at least four times a day is necessary for survival, according to psychotherapist Virginia Satir. Interestingly, science clearly connects better health with more cuddling in many different studies. The human touch has the power to drop a person’s levels of cortisol, a hormone released as a result of stress. As Roberta Lee of Beth Israel Medical Center in New York explains, “Cortisol suppresses the immune response. Anything that increases the relaxation response triggers the restoration of your immune response.”

In turn, cuddling can increase the effectiveness of your immune system while making you feel happier and loved. If that’s not enough reason to cuddle, here are some more reasons to consider.

IT CAN ALLEVIATE SOCIAL ANXIETY.

Cuddling is just another way to exchange energy, whether that be between two humans or a human and another animal. When people cuddle, it releases oxytocin, a powerful chemical in the brain known for its ability to relieve anxieties of all kinds. Given its ability to breakdown social barriers, oxytocin is progressively being viewed as an incredible natural remedy to overcoming social inhibitions. Studies have shown that oxytocin could be effective in treating debilitating shyness, or to help people with social anxieties and mood disorders.

If you have been suffering from social anxiety for quite some time, cuddling could indeed ease your symptoms and help change your mindset about social situations.

IT RELIEVES PAIN.

Again, a major contributor to why cuddling feels so good is oxytocin. If you have a headache or joint pain, cuddling can help alleviate your pain and even increase your pain tolerance. A small study with nine patients revealed that seven out of nine of them who took doses of oxytocin reported less chronic pain and improvement in the intensity of pain flare-ups over time.

You don’t even need pills to experience pain relief – you can just go right to the source and cuddle with your significant other or even your pet to get the same result!

It makes you happier. Cuddling with someone helps you feel bonded with them, which promotes feelings of safety and contentment. According to Women’s Health Magazine, “touching someone releases [dopamine and serotonin], both of which can boost your mood and curb depression.”

According to Paul Zak, a well-known expert on the oxytocin hormone and self-proclaimed “Dr. Love,” oxytocin is the “moral molecule behind all human virtue, trust, affection and love, a ‘social glue’ that keeps society together.”

Any sort of physical contact can release this hormone, which means cuddling can greatly improve your mood and promote lasting feelings of happiness!

IT HELPS TO GET RID OF STRESS.

As aforementioned, the hormone cortisol gets released into your system when you have high levels of stress. Cuddling immediately lowers your stress levels because of the famous love hormone, oxytocin, being released automatically into your body. High levels of stress promote numerous unhealthy reactions, from weight gain to high blood pressure, headaches, heart disease, and other serious problems. If you feel stressed, skip the medications and head for a relaxing place in your home where you can enjoy some cuddle time with your loved ones.

1. REMEMBER THIS QUOTE WHEN OTHER PEOPLE DON’T UNDERSTAND YOU.

“Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. The mediocre mind is incapable of understanding the man who refuses to bow blindly to conventional prejudices and chooses instead to express his opinions courageously and honestly.”— Albert Einstein

2. REMEMBER THIS QUOTE WHEN PEOPLE THINK YOU’RE CRAZY FOR DOING WHAT YOU DO.

“If being an egomaniac means I believe in what I do and in my art or music, then in that respect you can call me that… I believe in what I do, and I’ll say it.” ? John Lennon

3. REMEMBER THIS QUOTE WHEN YOU ARE DREAMING BIG.

“So many people along the way, whatever it is you aspire to do, will tell you it can’t be done. But it all it takes is imagination. You dream. You plan. You reach.”? Michael Phelps

4. REMEMBER THIS QUOTE WHEN PEOPLE DISAGREE WITH YOUR APPROACH.

“Don’t waste your energy trying to educate or change opinions; go over, under, through, and opinions will change organically when you’re the boss. Or they won’t. Who cares? Do your thing, and don’t care if they like it.” ? Tina Fey

5. REMEMBER THIS QUOTE WHEN IT FEELS LIKE YOU ARE GOING IT ALONE.

“Believe in yourself and there will come a day when others will have no choice but to believe with you.” ? Cynthia Kersey

6. REMEMBER THIS QUOTE WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE YOU NEED TO BE LESS THAN YOU ARE.

“There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do.” ? Marianne Williamson

7. AND WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS, REMEMBER THIS QUOTE.

“My dear, I don’t give a damn.” ? Margaret Mitchell

OTTER (JAN 20 – FEB 19)

Otters have a spunky, eccentric personality. On the other hand, they also excel at solving problems, and will never give up until they have an answer. Many people find them hard to read, but this doesn’t bother the otter. They see the world through a unique lens, and don’t care what anyone else thinks about them. Otters constantly crave freedom and adventure, but have a more gentle, empathetic side as well.

WOLF (FEB 20 – MARCH 19)

The complex, mysterious wolf likes to sit back and watch the world around them, simply observing and taking notes. They can be hard to get close to, as they tend to hide their emotions and only show people certain parts of themselves that they feel comfortable with. Highly creative, intelligent, and artistic, the wolf spends much time in solitude, perfecting his craft. This is where the phrase “lone wolf” comes from, as they are fiercely independent.

FALCON (MARCH 20 – APRIL 19)

This animal represents the sign Aries, a fiery, independent, dominant sign. Falcons like to oversee a situation, leading the way the entire time. They don’t like to be controlled or bossed around, and don’t take it very well when people try to tame them. Falcons dive into a new project or business idea headfirst, without doing much observing or thinking beforehand. They can come off as brash and intolerable, but they have a good heart underneath their stubborn, boisterous personality.

BEAVER (APRIL 20 – MAY 20)

The beaver possesses a strong work ethic, not quitting a job until it’s done. They can be stubborn, however, and not listen to other people’s input about a situation. They are loyal, honest people, and you can always count on them to follow through. They have a level head, and think in terms of practicality and logic.

DEER (MAY 21 – JUNE 20)

Despite the deer’s docile nature, they can also be sociable and highly likable. They move quickly, never stopping until they reach their destination. Deer are amiable and light-hearted, but can also have a totally opposite personality, crawling into their shell and wanting to be alone at times. This behavior goes along perfectly with a Gemini, whose birthday falls between the dates listed above.

WOODPECKER (JUNE 21 – JULY 21)

Persistent, dedicated, and courageous are just a few words to describe the noble woodpecker. They might be small, but they pack a big punch. Woodpeckers make their presence known when they walk into a room, but they aren’t arrogant by any means. In fact, quite the opposite is true. They are humble, gentle, and extremely caring, always putting others before themselves. However, when people don’t meet their expectations, they can get easily hurt.

SALMON (JULY 22 – AUG 21)

The salmon has a big personality, and naturally lights up a room when they walk into it. They don’t mind having the spotlight on them, and actually prefer it. Very talented, intelligent, and gregarious, the salmon needs big goals and dreams to set their sights on, otherwise they might fall into bad habits and stagnation. They enjoy having upbeat, positive people to surround themselves with, preferably who also have their sights on a huge dream.

BEAR (AUG 22 – SEPT 21)

Logical, analytical, and straightforward describe the courageous, mighty bear perfectly. Bears have a great deal of patience, and will remain loyal to you no matter what. While a bear might have a bad temper underneath their quiet disposition, they rarely show this side of themselves.

RAVEN (SEPT 22 – OCT 22)

Ravens have an innate way of creating the perfect balance in their lives, and therefore helping others to feel more balanced, as well. They don’t tolerate injustice or bullying, always standing up for what’s right. While they too have a quiet demeanor, they know what they want in life, and don’t ever hesitate to go after it. They have a very eloquent way of speaking, appearing calm and cool even when they feel a whirlwind churning inside them.

SNAKE (OCT 23 – NOV 22)

Snakes might have a bad reputation, but don’t judge them before you get to know them. They can appear aloof and sneaky, but they have big hearts. You just have to peel back their layers to understand them better. They are highly sensitive, creative people, but don’t hurt them – they have a tendency to get revenge whenever people do them wrong.

OWL (NOV 23 – DEC 21)

Owls seem to have a split personality. While they do possess great wisdom, strength, and patience, they can also be flighty and unstable. They also have a hard shell, and it’s not easy to penetrate unless you have patience with them. Owls are serious, yet warm and friendly. They don’t like to stay in one spot too long, always wanting to leave to get some fresh air and a new adventure under their wing.

GOOSE (DEC 22 – JAN 19)

Geese are some of the hardest workers of the animal signs, and often consume themselves with work so much that they neglect other aspects of their life. They are not easily swayed by other people’s opinions, but enjoy trying to persuade other people to accept and believe theirs. One of their biggest fears in life is failure, so they immerse themselves in their work to make sure that doesn’t happen to them.