Denis Waitley - “Touch is the magic wand of intimacy. Love is keeping in touch.”

A study was conducted to see how “every-day touching” ties in with a culture’s overall life expectancy and that of its population's overall health. People were studied in various cafes and meeting places around the world to see how many times people touched each other either deliberately by giving hugs or holding hands or “by habit” with just a brush on the arm or a hand on the shoulder, a handshake or a kiss on the cheek. Some of the countries were the US (New York), England (London), Norway, France (Paris), Brazil, Costa Rica, Italy and others. It was found that people in “warmer” countries and closer to the equator, were touching each other many more times, which also coincided with a much higher life expectancy rate.

Almost everyone knows that an abandoned infant who does not get touched and held and cuddled with will develop abnormally or even die if not touched at all. Touch is a means to show love, a way of regenerating not only your own battery but also the person you touch.

Living without hugs and someone to hold (a lot or at least from time to time) can also cause us to get physically sick.

There is no substitution for a touch or a hug from a loved one. However, many live life as singles or are estranged from their spouse, leaving you witwhout the importance of daily hugging.

1. If there is no one in your life for you to hug once in a while, a great alternative is to get a massage from time to time. The mere touch of another human can do wonders for anyone. If money is an issue you may want to visit a massage school where level 1 and level 2 massage therapists charge a fraction of a regular certified massage therapist.

2. Getting a manicure and pedicure can also help.

3. And if you really want to help not only yourself but especially someone else, visit a nursing home or a convalescent hospital and ask the nurse’s station which patient is no longer receiving any visitors. Go spend some time with that person, read them a book while holding their hand. You may just give them the greatest gift!

Here’s to a huggable and healthy you…