The Perfect Excuse to Stay Under the Blankets Today: Cuddling Has Some Pretty Great Effects

Cuddling can help generate the appropriately named "cuddle hormone," also known as oxytocin, which can cultivate positive emotions. "Best known for facilitating the bond between a mother and a baby during both labour and breastfeeding, oxytocin is also a key hormone that creates the emotional bond in adult relationships," says Liz Colizza, MA, LPC, NCC, a psychotherapist and head of marriage research and programs at Lasting, a relationship counseling app. She also explains that you produce oxytocin during an orgasm, but can also do so while experiencing other touches such as cuddling. "That means that the wonderful feelings you get after a sexual experience can also be had throughout the day, just in smaller doses," she adds.

Touch, such as that from cuddling with a significant other, might help ward off postpartum depression. "In fact, a remarkable study by Dr. Tiffany Field suggests massages, given daily, can fend off postpartum depression for couples with a newborn," says Colizza. "In this study, women who received massages experienced less overall depression and stress levels after they gave birth, as opposed to the control group of women who did not receive massages."

Something as simple as cuddling can work wonders in the communication department as well, especially when it is with your partner. "Cuddling can accurately communicate to your partner how you're feeling without saying a word," says Colizza.

Cuddling is not only comforting and something that can be fun to do, but it can also have profound effects on your overall well-being. "Multiple studies have shown that physical touch in romantic relationships can help partners alleviate stress," says Colizza. "According to research, partners who cuddle frequently have lower blood pressure, as well."