Have you ever wondered what goes on between your ears when you slip into a warm, comfy hoodie?
Well, we went there. All of us crave togetherness, warmth, and touch. Even the introverts among us. Even the biggest, baddest, tough guy. In fact, touch and warmth are so important that children fail to thrive without them. Have you ever checked out baby clothes? They’re not made from pleather and silk. They’re made from fleecy, soft fabrics because we know babies need coziness, comfort, and warmth.
The thing is, we still need that when we’re all grown up. After a hard day at work, we may need it more than the baby. What’s that infant been doing? Sleeping all day? Puh-leeze. Who really needs cozy here?
We don’t all have someone to hug when we come home, but cuddling in a comfy, worn-in sweatshirt and doing something nice for yourself, like making dinner or watching a movie, gives us some of that same feeling. We self-soothe and feel comfortable, relaxed, and safer.
When we feel calm, comfortable, and secure by slipping into a favorite hoodie, we experience physical reactions, too. Being comfortable and feeling safe can lower your blood pressure and create a sense of calm. It can soothe your racing heart after a stressful day and make you feel better. Long story short — wearing your hoodie can be good for you.
Here’s what happens in your brain while all of this is going on: When you have certain positive experiences, your body releases specific hormones, sometimes known as “feel-good hormones.” These neurotransmitters carry messages between nerve cells, affecting your body and even how you feel.
The four hormones associated with positive feelings such as coziness are dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin.
Dopamine is released when we feel pleasure, whether it’s from eating an ice cream or slipping into cozy clothes after work. It encourages us to seek more of that experience by rewarding us for it. Dopamine may be one reason you reach for your favorite hoodie again and again — your brain is rewarding you for it and encouraging you to come back for more!
Serotonin can help you fight low moods and make you feel great. You’re most likely to improve your serotonin levels when you slip into your hoodie to work out. Exercise and sunlight have both been found to elevate serotonin levels.
Endorphins fight pain and promote a sense of well-being. You can release them through exercise, music, laughter, and meditation. So go ahead: cozy up in your favorite sweatshirt and relax, have a dance party, or watch your favorite comedians.
Oxytocin is known as the “love hormone” because it’s what causes that loved-up feeling when you start dating someone new. It’s also the hormone that helps babies bond with their parents. Given its name, it’s no surprise that this hormone is released when you snuggle or hug someone you love.
We think it’s a great excuse to get matching couples hoodies and cuddle right up.
Dopamine is most likely what’s causing you to feel that relaxing “ahh” when you get into your favorite sweatshirt. Self-care and creating a space for coziness can help you promote these positive feelings in your life.
