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The Power of Touch: How Addressing Touch Starvation Can Improve Your Mental and Physical Health

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Touch starvation is a term used to describe the lack of physical contact that people experience in their daily lives. It is a relatively new term, but it is one that has been gaining a lot of attention in recent years. The idea behind touch starvation is that physical contact with another person can have a profound effect on our emotional and physical wellbeing. The concept of touch starvation was first proposed by Dr. Tiffany Field in the 1980s. She proposed that a lack of physical contact can have a range of negative effects, including emotional and physical problems. A lack of physical contact can lead to depression, anxiety, and even physical pain. Studies have shown that the lack of physical contact can have a profound effect on our physical and mental health. For example, research has found that people who lack physical contact are more likely to experience feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Additionally, people who experience touch starvation are more likely to suffer from physical pain and fatigue. However, touch starvation can be addressed. There are several ways to increase physical contact in our lives. For example, we can increase our physical contact with friends and family by hugging, cuddling, and holding hands. We can also increase physical contact with strangers by shaking hands, offering a friendly smile, or engaging in small talk. Additionally, touch starvation can be addressed through massage therapy. Massage therapy can help to reduce stress, improve circulation, and reduce muscle tension. Massage therapy can also help to promote feelings of relaxation and wellbeing. Finally, touch starvation can be addressed through the use of touch-based technologies. Technologies such as haptic gloves and vibrating massage chairs can provide physical contact without the need for physical contact with another person. These technologies can provide a convenient and safe way to increase physical contact. Touch starvation is an important issue that needs to be addressed. Physical contact is essential for our emotional and physical wellbeing, and a lack of physical contact can have a negative effect on our health and wellbeing. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to address touch starvation and increase physical contact in our lives. By increasing physical contact, we can improve our emotional and physical health.

During a time when touch is taboo, how do we compensate for touch starvation?

With society being more conscious of physical contact due to the pandemic, touch starvation is becoming an increasingly real issue. Touch deprivation, or a lack of physical contact, can lead to a multitude of mental and physical issues. It can cause an individual to suffer from depression, anxiety, and even physical pain. It is important to note that touch does not have to be sexual in order for it to be meaningful; it can be anything from a hug to a handshake. So, how do we compensate for this touch starvation? First and foremost, it is important to understand that touch does not have to be physical. There are a number of ways to express affection and care without making physical contact. For example, a simple smile or kind words can go a long way in making someone feel appreciated and valued. A simple phone call, text message, or video chat can be a great way to show someone that you care. These types of communication allow us to stay connected without breaking physical distancing protocols. Additionally, it is important to remember that touch does not have to be mutual in order to be meaningful. A simple gesture, such as offering a hug or a pat on the back, can be an incredibly powerful way to show someone that you care about them. Even if the recipient does not reciprocate the gesture, the gesture itself can provide a sense of comfort and security. This can be especially helpful for those who are feeling particularly isolated during this time. Finally, it is important to consider the importance of self-care. Self-care can be anything from carving out time to relax, to engaging in activities that bring joy. Taking time out of our day to focus on ourselves can be incredibly beneficial in helping us manage our mental and physical health. Furthermore, it can be a great way to stay connected with ourselves and our feelings, which can be crucial in combating touch starvation. In conclusion, touch starvation is a very real issue during this pandemic. While physical contact is limited, there are a number of ways to compensate for this lack of touch. Understanding that touch does not have to be physical, offering gestures of care, and taking time for self-care are all great ways to combat touch starvation. It is important to remember that we are all in this together and that we can find ways to show support and appreciation for one another, even from a distance.


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Don't Reach for Comfort Foods When You're Under the Weather - Here's Why!

Food to avoid when sick: soup
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When you’re feeling under the weather, it can be hard to resist eating a few of your favorite comfort foods. From mac and cheese to french fries, it’s tempting to try to fill your stomach with something that makes you feel better. But before you reach for that snack, you should know that some foods are actually better left untouched when you’re sick. Most of us know that eating unhealthy, processed foods isn’t good for us in general, let alone when we’re already feeling under the weather. Meals like fast food, fried foods, and sugary treats are laden with unhealthy fats, sodium, and refined sugars that can actually make your symptoms worse. Your body needs nourishment, and these foods offer little to no nutritional benefit. Fried foods are especially hard on your digestive system when you’re sick. All that oil can be difficult to process, leading to an upset stomach. If you’re already feeling queasy, these types of meals can make it even worse. Spicy foods can also be a no-go when you’re under the weather. Not only can they aggravate an already troubled digestive system, but they can also make your throat feel raw and irritated. If you’re dealing with a cold, you may even find that spicy foods make your nose run more than usual. Even if you usually love to indulge in a sweet treat, you’re probably better off avoiding sugar when you’re sick. Refined sugar can suppress your immune system and make it harder for your body to fight off infection. Even if you’re not dealing with an illness, it’s best to avoid eating too much sugar on a regular basis. If you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting, you’re better off reaching for something like a bowl of soup or a cup of tea. These types of foods are easy to digest and can help to soothe your aching stomach. They’re also packed with vitamins and minerals that can give your immune system a much-needed boost. It can be hard to resist the temptation to reach for comfort foods when you’re feeling under the weather. But if you can manage to hold off on those unhealthy, processed meals, you’ll be doing your body a huge favor. Stick to nourishing, easy-to-digest foods and your symptoms may just start to improve.

Skip the coffee if you're under the weather

When you’re feeling under the weather, it can be hard to resist eating a few of your favorite comfort foods. From mac and cheese to french fries, it’s tempting to try to fill your stomach with something that makes you feel better. But before you reach for that snack, you should know that some foods are actually better left untouched when you’re sick. Most of us know that eating unhealthy, processed foods isn’t good for us in general, let alone when we’re already feeling under the weather. Meals like fast food, fried foods, and sugary treats are laden with unhealthy fats, sodium, and refined sugars that can actually make your symptoms worse. Your body needs nourishment, and these foods offer little to no nutritional benefit. Fried foods are especially hard on your digestive system when you’re sick. All that oil can be difficult to process, leading to an upset stomach. If you’re already feeling queasy, these types of meals can make it even worse. Spicy foods can also be a no-go when you’re under the weather. Not only can they aggravate an already troubled digestive system, but they can also make your throat feel raw and irritated. If you’re dealing with a cold, you may even find that spicy foods make your nose run more than usual. Even if you usually love to indulge in a sweet treat, you’re probably better off avoiding sugar when you’re sick. Refined sugar can suppress your immune system and make it harder for your body to fight off infection. Even if you’re not dealing with an illness, it’s best to avoid eating too much sugar on a regular basis. If you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting, you’re better off reaching for something like a bowl of soup or a cup of tea. These types of foods are easy to digest and can help to soothe your aching stomach. They’re also packed with vitamins and minerals that can give your immune system a much-needed boost. It can be hard to resist the temptation to reach for comfort foods when you’re feeling under the weather. But if you can manage to hold off on those unhealthy, processed meals, you’ll be doing your body a huge favor. Stick to nourishing, easy-to-digest foods and your symptoms may just start to improve.


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