The Strength of Our Heart
And let’s not forget the strength of a loved and satisfied heart. Just a quick note on the importance of touch.
The response our bodies have to touch is said to decrease heart rate, reduce blood pressure and cortisol. Touch is also known to increase oxytocin and according to some massage therapists, touch can increase serotonin.
Studies have shown that oxytocin makes you feel more generous, more empathetic and nurturing, more collaborative, and more grateful — all of which help make you a good partner, parent, friend, and co-worker. Gratitude, in particular, is such a powerful bonding emotion that many scientists have deemed it the psychological "glue" that keeps people close. https://www.dignityhealth.org/articles/facts-about-touch-how-human-contact-affects-your-health-and-relationships
I will strongly add that the above list of positive attributes makes us a better parent! Click on the above link and read the article. Touch is powerful!
My husband and I hold hands - a lot! A practice and a habit. We are up there in age and have had people stop us and say how cute we are to still hold hands. When we drive in a car, we hold hands.
Be the one to reach out and grab the hand of those in your family. Teach your SELF and your children that holding hands never gets old.
