Stay Connected with Touch

Physical touch is a powerful tool for maintaining connection and intimacy between couples. It goes beyond mere physical pleasure and serves as a means of expressing love, building trust, and fostering a deep emotional connection that strengthens the overall relationship. Not to mention, it’s just plain good for our bodies.

• Touch serves as a nonverbal form of communication, allowing couples to express emotions, affection, and support without saying a word. A gentle touch on the arm, a hug, or holding hands can convey love, reassurance, and understanding.

• Physical touch has the power to reduce stress and promote relaxation. It helps regulate our nervous systems, making us feel more relaxed in our bodies and associating that calm and ease with our partner’s presence.

• Physical touch releases oxytocin, often referred to as the “bonding hormone” or the “love hormone.” This hormone is associated with emotional bonding, trust, and intimacy.

• Incorporating touch into daily routines, such as a goodbye kiss in the morning or a welcome-home hug in the evening, helps maintain a consistent connection. These small gestures reinforce the emotional bond and keep the relationship vibrant.

• Touch has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, lower blood pressure, enhance immune functioning, improve digestion and sleep quality. When we function better, we can love and show up for one another better too!

Some folks may have a complicated relationship to touch given their experiences in life and particular trauma. Always make sure consent is involved, take it slow, and explore slowly to find what your body can tolerate. Be gentle and encourage yourself where you can. We do best when we accept where and who we are right now, not who we wish we were or who we think we should be. That goes for our partners as well. Work together to build a practice of touch that feels safe and loving and not pressure inducing.