The coronavirus restrictions and lockdowns have triggered what experts call “skin hunger.” That’s the term to describe the physical and mental consequences of not being able to reach out and touch someone. Skin hunger can lower the immune system, increase stress levels and interfere with your sleep, say experts.

Kory Floyd, a communications professor at the University of Arizona, studies how affection impacts stress and physiological functioning. He told Insider that while we can tell people how much we love them, “the ability to be in physical contact, to touch, hold hands, hug, kiss—that’s another whole category of mental and physical health benefits such that everything else we do is an imperfect substitute.”

Touching soothes us and improves cardiovascular health. It makes us more compassionate and is an effective therapy to treat diseases like cancer and even Alzheimer’s, according to Insider. Cure Today reported that the healing power of touch can be measured. Doctors have found, through laboratory tests and MRI’s, that there are changes in brain activity during touch. Endorphins that combat stress hormones are released, resulting in a state of relaxation and peace.

Without touch, we may be negatively affected emotionally and mentally. We may develop “skin hunger.”

Floyd said that skin hunger makes us feel vulnerable, elevates our stress, disrupts our sleep and weakens our immune system--all symptoms that are not helpful at this time in our lives.

According to Insider, the expert recommended:

• Petting dogs or cats. If you don’t have one, borrow one, Floyd said, adding that research has documented the health benefits of pets, including lowering blood pressure.
• Hugging a pillow. Your brain still interprets the action as a hug.
• Engaging in self-touch or massage. Rubbing your neck and shoulders or rubbing your feet can help relieve tension and have pain-relieving benefits.

Another technique to reduce skin hunger is called self-Havening. It involves crossing your arms in front of you and running your hands up and down your upper arms while reciting words related to personal experiences. Havening Techniques has helpful videos to guide you.