Cuddling (or other ‘love’ acts) helps to heal physical wounds faster due to the release of Oxytocin which is proven to reduce swelling.
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Ten seconds of hugging a day increases levels of oxytocin, which can reduce blood pressure, thus cutting the risk of heart disease.
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There's a young hippo and a 130+ year old tortoise in a Kenyan wildlife preserve who are best friends and they even sleep and play together.
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Some British police cars carry a teddy bear to console children after an accident.
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Sergeant Stubby was the only war dog to be promoted to sergeant through combat in WWI. He saved his regiment from surprise mustard gas attacks, found and comforted the wounded, and even once caught a German spy by the seat of his pants, holding him there until American Soldiers found him.
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Holding hands with someone you love can alleviate physical pain as well as stress and fear.
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