To find out, researchers asked 135 college students to ask some of them to hold their hands on their heart and stomach for 20 seconds (the time it takes to take three breaths) while thinking positive thoughts about themselves. I guessed it.
The control group was asked to alternately tap their thumb against each finger for the same amount of time.
The researchers found that students who practiced 20 seconds of self-compassionate touch at least 28 times a day experienced a 9.91 percent reduction in stress compared to their level at the beginning of the exam.
In contrast, those who practiced finger tapping were shown to have a 21.70 percent increase in stress, which researchers say may be due to college students experiencing increased anxiety as the semester progresses. say:
Overall, college students who practiced self-compassionate touch for 20 seconds a day had a 45.66 percent higher stress reduction rate than college students who practiced finger-tapping active control for 20 seconds a day.
The effect size was similar to that seen with much longer practices such as mindful meditation.
Previous studies have shown that contact is beneficial, but researchers are still unsure how it works. A recent paper published in the journal Nature suggests that exposure can reduce cortisol levels in the body.
