Been a Long Winter? Today is Cuddle Up Day!

Been a long winter?

Happy Friday!

Today is Cuddle Up Day.

#CuddleUpDay

We’re a few weeks into winter and coldness has descended over the land. What better way to warm up than to celebrate Cuddle Up Day? Both the old and young alike take part in it. People cuddle up with their special someone or with their young children, or with their pet or stuffed animal. Not only does cuddling bring warmth, but it also has many other health benefits. Cuddling releases oxytocin, a hormone that reduces pain, blood pressure, stress, and anxiety. Cuddling also helps reduce heart disease.

Cuddling brings a feeling of closeness, communicating feelings of trust, safety, and reassurance between people. Cuddling aids with sleep. Cuddling also releases dopamine, which can improve memory and focus. For partners, cuddling may increase sexual desire. For parents, cuddling may increase bonds with their young children. When a mother cuddles with their baby, the oxytocin that is released makes it easier for them to breastfeed. Cuddling can benefit many people in numerous ways, and on Cuddle Up Day there is plenty of cuddling to go around!

How to Observe Cuddle Up Day

If you have a partner, you could cuddle with them, trying a few of the many cuddling positions. If you have a young child, you could also cuddle with them. Cuddling with pets and with stuffed animals are two other ways you could cuddle today!