Why Physical Touch Matters for Your Well-Being: Resources from The Greater Good Science Center: Read Calvin’s personal essay in Queendom: Īljoscha Dreisoerner is a Post Doctorate at The University of Vienna interested in self-compassion and mindfulness. Repeat as many times as you would like.Ĭalvin Cato is a comedian and writer based in New York City. While doing the practice, focus on taking a few deep breaths, drawing attention to the pressure and warmth of your hands.ģ. Try the practice you choose for at least twenty seconds. Place your left hand on the top of your right arm.Ģ.

Place your right hand under your left arm, by the side of the heart.

Placing your right hand on your heart and the left on your belly while focusing on the rising and falling of the breath.

Place one or both hands on your heart or stomach.

Here are some options you can choose from:

What works for one person might not work for another.

Find a comfortable position to begin the practice.Later, we hear from self-compassion and mindfulness expert Aljoscha Dreisoerner about why we evolved to crave touch and how self-touch can be as effective as getting a hug from someone else. To his surprise, the physical sensations also triggered fond childhood memories with his father. He found that physically caring for himself allowed him to reground his emotions and regulate his stress. He tried the self-soothing touch practice as a way to better connect with himself. This week, we are examining the benefits of offering ourselves soothing touches with comedian Calvin Cato. While reading this, you might be fiddling with your fingers or have a hand resting on your face -– these are examples of self-touch. Our guest tries a practice in self-soothing touch. Simple actions like consciously placing a hand on your heart or hugging yourself can lower your cortisol levels, heart rate, and help you feel less stressed. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.

Getting in touch with yourself