Self-compassionate touch, which can be practiced anywhere, can include stroking the upper arms like a hug. Milko/E+/Getty ImagesThe study showed a single 20-second session of self-compassionate touch significantly reduced stress, increased kindness to the participant and improved mental well-being. However, Hafeez noted that while self-compassionate touch showed similar mental health benefits to long-term therapy, it is not a complete substitute for it — especially among those with diagnosed mental health conditions. Instead, she advised people to think of self-compassionate touch as an added tool for their mental health toolbox. The study results showed the more people make self-compassionate touch a habit, the greater the mental health benefits.

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Persons: Eli Susman, Susman, ” Susman, ”, “, —, Sanam Hafeez, Susan Evans, ” Evans, Hafeez, It’s, “ It’s, Jocelyn Solis, Moreira Organizations: CNN, University of California, Research, College, Weill Cornell Medical College Locations: Plum, France, Berkeley, New York City, New York