Dr Punam Krishan: Touching and hugging is a much needed part of life

I connected so much with this sentiment because I too cannot wait to just hug and hold my friends and family again. A simple act, once taken for granted, has become something of a cherished treat especially after a year of being physically distanced from loved ones following which we are all feeling the effects of touch deprivation.

Whilst technology - those endless zoom and FaceTime calls which we have become accustomed to - has been a saving grace during this dark time, it has never been able to replace the power of real life human connection. I have even heard people who weren’t very “touchy feely” before tell me that they miss sitting next to their mates in a pub because they “just miss being close to people.” If this is you, this is a very valid and normal feeling to be experiencing if this is you because if we review our history both from an evolutionary and social perspective, this would make sense.

READ MORE: Coronavirus: Operation underway in Glasgow to halt spread in South Side

When a baby is born, the first thing we advise is for skin to skin contact between mother or father and their baby. As humans, from the beginning, we crave that connection to feel safe, comforted and loved. I remember how my baby, who after birth screamed out her first cry, instantly relaxed as soon as she was placed on my chest. For both of us this experience slowed down our heart rates and our breathing; The overwhelming surge of oxytocin - the love hormone - took away any fear, pain or anxiety I had. I didn’t need drugs, I needed to feel her. This is just one example but everyone can think of times where “touch” has helped them in some way.

At times where I’ve had someone upset in-front of me, a simple act of holding their hand, placing a hand on their shoulder or knee has had the power of providing comfort. When you first start going out with someone and they hold your hand, this touch exchange sends signals to our brains to release high volumes of endorphins and hormones including oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine which results in pleasurable sensations. On a day which is overwhelming, those of us with pets will recount how relaxing it is to stroke your dog or cat - it’s because touch is an inbuilt superpower that impacts our physiological responses in a very positive way. Not only do these hormones help to reduce our blood pressure, pulse and anxiety levels, they are also effective pain relievers, improve our sleep and general sense of wellbeing.

There are many factors that come into play when we review human connection but both physical and social interactions are at the top of that list. Studies have shown that prolonged periods of loneliness are associated with increased risks of heart disease and mental health problems, something we are sadly seeing a rising trend of. It has therefore been most cruel, albeit necessary, to have been forced into a social distancing lifestyle for over a year now. Although we have been fortunate to connect on some level through technology, the screen fatigue that has settled in as we crave real-life connection where we can be close to one another once again.

Just as well then because from next week we have been granted permission to hug our loved ones. Many of us have become so accustomed to distancing that the news has sparked a mixed reaction amongst people. Whilst we might be excited at the prospects of hugging our friends and family again, it is important that we all keep reminding ourselves that we are still not completely out the other side of this pandemic yet. The virus is still prevalent and still transmissible so we must remain vigilant, cautious and sensible!

That said, I am delighted with the news and relieved that things are improving; Cases are going down as are hospital admissions and deaths and with more people being vaccinated, things are truly looking up. Stay safe but do have fun whatever you get up to!