Gimme five

If the truth be told, I have never been a very touchy-feely person. In fact, one of my best friends decided she wanted to be my friend when I refused to give in to her hug attacks (it's quite a story). It turns out, however, that physical contact with other people is very important for good health. According to an article from Gaiam Life, a cool site about yoga, wholesome living, and all sorts of delightful things, "even simple gestures like a pat on the back, a high five or a handshake can reduce stress, promote a sense of connection and belonging and inspire others to perform better."

The article is short, easy to read, and surprisingly scientific. With statements such as "Physical contact prompts contribution, connection, trust and productivity, and can even help build compassion for others and ourselves," one might wonder where they came up with this psychological jargon, but there is evidence that this is true!
For instance:
"Berkeley researcher Michael Kraus, a Ph.D. candidate, looked at the power of touch when he studied NBA players and teams. The teams that recorded the most physical contact — hand slaps and back pats — also tended to win the most, he found. But most importantly, Kraus says the winning-team players also supported each other through positive physical contact, even when a player turned the ball over or other mistakes were made. That kind of cohesiveness, communicated through touch, contributed to the teams’ success, he says."

How cool is that! There are also positive physiological effects involving the nervous system, as long as the physical contact is comfortable. Articles such as this reinforce my innate belief in the goodness of the world. By simply being good to each other and giving a hug, we are making another person's life better! We are so amazingly made; I am truly convinced of God's presence and power in the scientific world.

So do some good in the world: up high! down low! too slow! (then reward the good sport with a real high five)

All quotations and references are from Polly Campbell's article "Healing Through Touch" from the website http://life.gaiam.com/gaiam/p/Powerful-Touch.html.