When we touch, cuddle, hug, or hold hands our bodies release the “feel good” hormones. These hormones include oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. Once the hormones are released into our bodies we experience feelings of happiness, relaxation, improve mood, and lower levels of depression. If you don’t have anyone in your immediate vicinity that you can hug because you are practicing social distancing, experts recommend rubbing your own forehead, hands, and neck, as self-massage has been shown to decrease heart rate and reduce the stress-hormone cortisol in our systems.

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• Emotional Health