Dr. Benson Recommends: High Fives & Hugs!

They might not seem like much, but studies show that small physical gestures such as high fives, fist bumps, and pats on the hand result in surprisingly positive behavior changes. UC Berkeley researchers found that National Basketball Association teams whose players had lots of positive physical contact with one another played better than teams that did not.

High fives do more than feel good. They encourage cooperation, ease stress, and create a warm, trusting environment. So go ahead – hug your family members often, give your children all the affectionate physical contact you can, and don’t hesitate to connect with non-family members by touching their hands or patting their backs. It’s powerful medicine!