Yesterday the strangest thing happened. I met a friend on the beach, and against the advice of doctors and government, we embraced in a big hug. Tears came to my eyes as we squeezed each other tightly, and I didn’t want to let go. I momentarily wondered how long it would be until I feel the hug of a friend again, and then our special moment was interrupted by a woman yelling at us, “You’re supposed to stay six feet away from everyone!” Her fear and anger were justified, but my spirit craved a hug anyway. In hindsight, there are so many things about that situation that leave my mind spinning. Did I endanger my friend’s life? Was I breaking the law? Was I socially irresponsible? Are hugs now more dangerous than guns?
The Impact of Coronavirus
The coronavirus has turned my world upside down in just a few weeks, and I’m not alone. Before CV19, I was about to close on a new commercial building to use as a yoga studio and was looking forward to opening Jiva Yoga and Mindfulness Center around the first of April. I had momentum, classes were at maximum capacity, my retreat sold out in days, and people were already starting to register for Jiva Yoga Festival in August.
Now everything is on hold why we wait for a cure for the virus. I can live without restaurants and bars, but I don’t want to live without physical touch. I don’t have a partner to snuggle at night, so I miss the hugs from my students more than anything else. I miss their smiles and positive energy as they come through the door and the hugs as they leave class. I miss those hugs more than I miss the revenue, and my income is down 80%!
Physical Touch is Essential to Human Health
According to research, the connection between touch and emotional and physical well-being is compelling. Touch stimulates the vagus nerve, which runs from your head to your abdomen. The nerve’s primary role is to slow the nervous system, which reduces the heart rate, decreases blood pressure, and minimizes stress-hormone levels.
Studies show that these effects have a significant impact on your health. In research on adults with illnesses like AIDS and cancer, physical touch, like cuddling and massage therapy, was shown to boost participants’ natural killer cells, which attack bacterial, viral, and cancer cells. Other research shows that touch helps people sleep better and makes the body stronger and more resistant to pain.
The Challenge of Social Distancing
The most recent recommendations from the CDC on how to avoid contracting CV19 is to “socially distance” yourself six feet away from everyone. I’m more nervous about living in a world where people have to avoid touch than I am about contracting the virus. How will we cope with the stress of this horrific situation without holding a partner’s hand, hugging a friend, or putting our arms around someone we love?
I think the emotional harm of social distancing can be as detrimental to our society as the physical impact of the virus, especially for people like me whose love language is physical touch. Will we inevitably see an increase in violence, suicide, depression, and anxiety? Will we withdraw further as a society, numbing ourselves with alcohol, drugs, food, video games, and TV shows even more than before?
The Fearful Versus the Careless
We used to be a nation divided by politics. Now we are divided between the fearful versus careless, the compliant versus non-compliant. Some people are in voluntary isolation, while others are still going about their daily lives with total disregard of the CV19 situation. Those that are socially isolated are angry at those who are not. It’s a potentially dangerous situation, especially in a nation that is heavily armed with about 46 percent of worldwide civilian held firearms and limited access to mental health services.
Pets are Good for Our Health Too
On a positive note, many of us have dogs or cats to pet and love. It’s not quite the same as human touch but still provides us many proven health benefits. Dogs everywhere are thrilled that their human parents are home 24/7 now, while cats couldn’t care less. Hopefully, the animal shelters will see an increase in adoptions soon. That could be another positive consequence of the virus.
Times are complicated, but we can’t lose hope. Only in the darkness can you see the stars. Don’t let fear win. Anxiety, depression, and stress are as toxic to our health as CV19, just in different ways. Establish a self-care plan that includes daily exercise, meditation, eating right, and getting plenty of sleep. Call your friends and family and fill your mind with positive affirmations. Remember, this too will pass, and one day we will be able to hug again.