The verb touch can be defined as mutual contact to communicate feelings of compassion, sympathy and comfort, love and affection.
The right kind can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels, stimulate an area of the brain that is central to memory, and produce the release of hormones that have been linked to positive and uplifting emotions. The physical effects of touch are far-reaching. (Mar 4, 2015 The Power of Touch / The New Yorker).
The touch is used to communicate in a variety of ways -- holding hands, a pat on the back, a massage, a kiss. Healing also is related to the touch as demonstrated by the works in the life of Jesus.
In one scriptural record, a man came to Jesus requesting of Him to be cleansed of his leprosy. "And Jesus put forth his hand, and TOUCHED him saying, 'I will; be thou clean.' And immediately his leprosy was cleansed." Matthew 8:3.
In another record, as Jesus was walking down the road, two blind men cried to Him for mercy. Jesus asked them what they wanted from Him. They replied that they desired of Jesus that their eyes might be opened. "so Jesus had compassion on them, and TOUCHED their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him," Matthew 20:34.
Even groups of people thronged Jesus to touch Him for healing; "For he had healed many insomuch that they pressed upon him for to TOUCH him, as many as had plagues" Mark 3:10.
Folks also brought young children to him "that he should TOUCH them (for a blessing)...and he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them and blessed them." Mark 10:13, 16.
Communicating by way of a hug also has beneficial results to one's body. In his article " How Hugging Makes You Healthier and Happier," Dr. Mercola relates that "hugging increases levels of the 'love hormone' oxytocin, which is beneficial for stress levels, heart health, and more.
A 20-second hug reduces the harmful physical effects of stress, including its impact on your blood pressure and heart rate.
A 10-second hug a day may fight infections, boost your immune system, ease depression, and lessen fatigue.
The giver of a hug receives just as much benefit as the receiver. But some research suggests the healthiest hugs come from someone you trust (as opposed to a stranger)."
The day is not over. Reach out and touch someone. Jesus provides us with such awesome examples. There is yet more than enough time to hold hands, to give a back rub, to bless. Touch someone with a pat on the back for comfort or encouragement, give a hug to help release stress, lay hands on the sick that they would recover (Mark 18:16). It is a benefit to you and them.