Have you ever met someone who loves hugs and touching people? They are usually extremely friendly, happy, well-adjusted people. They are pleasant to be around and bring calmness to social situations. On the other hand have you met people who hate being hugged? Those people are usually crabbier, less friendly, and often have some sort of anxiety.

The difference between those two kinds of people are their levels of a natural brain chemical known as oxytocin. Oxytocin is known as the “cuddle drug.” It’s the hormone that is associated with feelings of connection, inclusion, and intimacy. Oxytocin is one of the most important chemicals we need, but few are aware of how necessary it is for physical health, mental health, and happiness.

Chances are, you’re getting oxytocin just by looking at this

Sadly, few are aware that they need their oxytocin. Low levels of oxytocin are associated with depression, social anxiety, and fatigue. Long term oxytocin deficit can result in decreased organ function, mental pathologies, and poorer gene expression. Oxytocin is so important that if a newborn doesn’t get enough oxytocin from being touched, it will shortly die.

Luckily it’s very easy to get an oxytocin fix. The brain creates oxytocin in activities that connect us to people and living things: laughing, touching, eye contact, sex, and cuddling. It has been shown that even looking at something considered “cute” will raise oxytocin levels in the brain. Parents and babies get large oxytocin spikes when they look at each other. Dog owners and their dogs also get the same oxytocin increase. It’s been found that depression in children can be alleviated by giving them a dog. Being in the company of a dog raises the child’s oxytocin and can help the kid feel more comfortable around people.

If you’ve been feeling crabby, lonely, or easily irritated lately, think about how often you touch people, hug people, or laugh with people? It may be as simple as your brain starving for oxytocin. Do you body and mind a favor. Get your cuddle fix!