Coupled Up? Doing This One Thing Will Make Your Relationship Happier

Who doesn’t love to cuddle? We, for one, can’t think of a better feeling than nestling between someone’s arms while watching the latest Netflix documentary before bed. And while there are some obvious perks to spooning (hello, warmth!), new research suggests that couples who cuddle more are happier and have deeper connections. Win.

So, here are plenty of other reasons you should snuggle up with your partner tonight.

1. It makes you happy

Thank you, dopamine and serotonin! Touching your SO releases these two hormones, both of which can boost your mood and help curb depression. Happy days.

2. Stronger immune system

Cuddling can stimulate your parasympathetic (otherwise known as relaxation) system, which releases serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. All of these feel-good hormones boost your immunity to help fend off sickness. And if you ask us, cuddling sounds way more appealing than loading up on vitamin C.

3. Stress less

The moment you make skin-to-skin contact, your brain tells your adrenal glands to cut back on cortisol production, which makes you feel less anxious. Ahh, so much bliss!

4. More sex

A cuddle isn’t always just a cuddle –  touching releases the hormone dopamine which increases sexual desire, as well as that wondrous oxytocin which us females need to prepare for the ‘deed’. Cuddles are a great way to start foreplay that leads to more fun times, which is a win-win for both of you. Sex also has plenty of benefits including strengthening your relationship, relieving stress and of course counts as physical exercise. Enough said.

5. Keeps you warm

The most obvious. Winter is well and truly here and bringing endless freezing cold nights with it. So what are you waiting for – you could blast the heating and add an extra five blankets to the bed, or you could just snuggle up. Loving and money saving. Sure, what more could you want?

By Jennifer Conway.

• cuddling
• love
• Relationship