Moment 110- The Unknown And Surprising Power Of Physical Touch: Dacher Keltner

May 19, 2023 15m 47s 8 insights
The episode explores the profound power of physical touch and pro-social emotions like gratitude and kindness. It highlights their critical role in human connection, health, and well-being, discussing the negative impacts of loneliness and gender stereotypes on men's health.
Actionable Insights

1. Prioritize Friendly Physical Touch

Actively engage in friendly physical touch, such as hugging loved ones or patting children on the back, as it is foundational for connection, reduces stress (lower cortisol, elevated vagal tone), improves immune function, and enhances social behavior and learning.

2. Actively Combat Loneliness

Recognize loneliness as a deprivation of vital pro-social emotions and touch, and actively work to build these connections into your life to improve health outcomes, increase life expectancy, and foster appreciation.

3. Challenge Male Emotional Stereotypes

Men should actively challenge gender stereotypes that inhibit emotional expression and physical touch, as embracing these pro-social behaviors can improve health outcomes and combat loneliness, which is a significant factor in male mortality.

4. Cultivate Pro-Social Emotions

Consciously integrate pro-social emotions like gratitude, kindness, compassion, and awe into your daily interactions and experiences, as they are crucial for a meaningful life and overall well-being.

5. Recognize Social Ripple Effects

Understand that acts of kindness, gratitude, and compassion have a real, cascading positive effect through social networks, just as negative behaviors can spread, influencing how others perceive and treat you.

6. Reintegrate and Connect with Elderly

Actively reintegrate and connect with elderly individuals, ensuring they receive appreciation and physical touch, as their isolation leads to loneliness, worse health outcomes, and significant healthcare expenses.

7. Utilize Touch in Friendships

Develop a rich language of friendly touch with friends, such as fist bumps or chest bumps in sports, as it is a fundamental human language for connection and strengthens social bonds.

8. Engage in Eye Contact with Pets

Look into your dog’s eyes to experience a surge of oxytocin, a chemical that promotes kindness and cooperation, benefiting both you and your pet.