4 minute read
considering the evidence that physical human touch is vital to our health, the thought of literally being physically distant from others for such a long period, is almost unfathomable. the research on the benefits of touch is endless — skin-to-skin contact between parent and child is essential for growth and development in newborn infants, while for adults, touch can help you empathize with others’ emotions , even if they’re a stranger.
massage therapy has also been shown to have health benefits, helping people with depression as well as those with chronic pain, while a gentle touch encourages elderly adults to eat more . and, asanyone who has ever been hugged after a stressful event can tell you, there is important emotional comfort, warmth, and strength that comes from being physically connected to another person, if only for a few seconds.
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“it’s not the same as being together in person, but it’s a lot better than nothing,” says kate mulligan , associate professor at the university of toronto’s dalla lana school of public health. “it is important to try to continue to stay in touch with loved ones because it’s vital for human life.”
volunteering is another way to fill the void that self-isolation has placed in our lives. mulligan says helping out by doing things like delivering groceries, or checking on vulnerable people who are perhaps more isolated than you, not only helps you connect socially, but can also help you feel better about living in such uncertain times.
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“our research has shown that the biggest improvements in self-reported health and well-being come when you shift your perception of yourself — from being someone who’s lonely, sick, or has something going wrong — to being somebody who has something to offer,” she says. “i t’s a way of trying to take control over your own situation. “
for those in ontario, mulligan runs a social prescribing pilot program that connects patients during their healthcare appointments with community and social services. it’s especially designed for those who are isolated and unlikely to normally take advantage of these available programs.
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in fact, shelters across canada have reported an uptick in adoptions as more people are staying at home and take advantage of the time to welcome a new furry family member. the health benefits of pet ownership include lowering stress levels to increasing happiness and fitness. but make sure you’re also able to provide for the pet after the pandemic is over too, because like everything, this too shall pass.
