New Delhi: Stress can be linked to hunger, work, studies, or emotional relationships – but according to scientists, there can be a simple solution to this and in only 20 seconds, it can soothe the nerves. Turns out, only 20 seconds of a good hug can go a long way in mitigating stress in the long run. According to a study published in Behaviour Research and Therapy journal, compassionate touch could go a long way to reduce anxiety and stress if practiced regularly. Compassionate touch can soothe one through physical contact, placing the hand on the heart or belly, and by taking deep breaths.
The study suggested that practicing a few seconds of touch can lead to a powerful physical response in the body. It was also found that this group of people had significantly lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, as compared to those who did not. Regularly engaging in this can improve overall well-being. For this, experts recruited 121 university students aged 18 or more and randomly gave them a video to watch on self-compassionate touch and finger tapping.
Students were then asked to perform this for 20 seconds every day for a month and then they were asked to rate their emotional health. Finger tappers were also asked to index finger and thumb to touch. This group of people practiced self-compassion by placing their hands over their belly and heart while thinking kind things. This group of people was instructed to close their eyes and think of a mistake. Focus on how one felt at the moment and participants were then asked to talk about how they felt. It was also found that other forms of touch, like stroking the back of the neck massaging the palm, or stroking the upper arms in a hug helped participants experience more compassion.
Researchers discovered that spending 20 seconds every day to soothe oneself for a month helped experience higher levels of self-compassion, better mental health, and less stress than a finger-tapping group. Its positive effects were similar to those of meditation. This micro practice can’t substitute treatments like therapy that help with severe anxiety and depression.
The study suggested that practicing a few seconds of touch can lead to a powerful physical response in the body. It was also found that this group of people had significantly lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, as compared to those who did not. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
