I was quite amazed to discover that Nivea mark their 100th birthday this year! I started thinking about it that means that women were using Nivea in 1911, the start of the Edwardian era when women slowly gained more independence. Interesting when you look at it like that, eh? Anyway they have decided to mark the occasion by celebrating closeness in 21st Century Britain.
Touch is an important aspect of life and something which I certainly did not appreciate until I had my own kids. It was then when I discovered how important it is for bonding, comfort and family well being. For me, there is nothing better than cuddling up on the sofa with my children and I have noticed that as they get older they are enjoying more cuddles between each other. It's all very lovely and demonstrates to me that they are feeling
closer than ever at that moment in time. These are moments that I treasure and mentally record.
Nivea have done some research and discovered the following, which I thought was quite interesting:
-baby brain development
When babies are born, their brains aren’t yet fully formed. Cognitive, brain and socio-emotional development are all dependent on consistent touch from their parents – without it, vital parts of the brain wouldn’t grow properly. Touch is so crucial, it’s the most highly developed sense at birth.
-childhood stress management
In the early years of life, children lack the ability to soothe themselves when stressed. Being rocked, stroked and cuddled by their parents is the key – it helps them feel safe and contained.
-bonding in a relationship
Sex aside, regular physical contact is key to forging intimacy and trust. Several studies have found that women who are frequently touched by their partners in a non-sexual way – for example, hugging – produce higher levels of oxytocin, a feelgood hormone associated with feelings of intimacy.
-in sickness
In old age, touch may help improve health and recovery from illness. According to research, elderly patients who are touched by nursing staff – even imperceptibly, with a light tap on the shoulder – are more likely to eat well. And a light touch on the hand can reduce heart rate and blood pressure in patients prior to surgery.
The Campaign
NIVEA are
encouraging closeness with their A
million moments of closeness campaign. You can contribute and help them celebrate 21
st century closeness by uploading photos of you sharing a cosy moment with a friend, colleague, sibling, partner, parent or child at facebook.com/niveauk, or look out for road shows, throughout the UK, where you can jump into a photo booth and have your picture instantly uploaded. Whether you share your photos on Facebook or at the roadshow, you’re in with a chance to win - every day, a picture of the day will be selected by psychologist Professor Geoff Beattie, who’s studied closeness for NIVEA. The winner will receive one of 100 prizes worth £100. I’m certainly going to give this a go.
You can also join in the
Feel Closer debate at
facebook.com/niveauk. Do you hug your best friend when you see her, or are you more likely to give her a peck on the cheek? Do you remember being cuddled a lot as a child, and how do you feel this has impacted on you as an adult? What do you think about elderly couples who still kiss and hold hands? Discuss all this and more - and let’s find out how close we really are.
Sponsored Post
Sponsored Post: Nivea Feel Closer Campaign
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