Neuroscientists put 16 married women in a stressful situation (they knew they’d receive mild electric shocks). When a friendly male volunteer held their hand, scans showed less activity in the parts of the brain that respond to danger. The effect was even greater when the hand belonged to the participant’s spouse. “It may be that your mind relaxes because someone is there to help,” explains lead researcher James Coan, PhD, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at UV. Other forms of touch—a hug, a shoulder rub—may also ease an anxiety-ridden experience and even reduce the amount of stress hormones the brain produces. More from Prevention: 5 Ways To Give Yourself An Awesome Massage
