It seems so simple to do; outreach your hand and shake another’s. It’s built into us at this point; a habit we know very little about. But there’s power behind a handshake. It’s more than just a nicety. It’s a connection and some scientist say, it even has healing traits. Even the temperature of a hand makes an impression on you, whether you know it or not. A cold hand, unfortunately, doesn’t mean a warm heart, in our minds:

According to one study:

The bigger message is that very subtle cues from our environment can significantly influence behavior and feelings, said lead researcher Dr. Lawrence Williams, who conducted the study while completing his psychology graduate degree at Yale.

Physical and psychological concepts “are much more closely aligned in the mind than we have previously appreciated,” said Williams, now at the University of Colorado.

Indeed, other research has found that the same brain region that processes physical temperature changes, called the insula, also processes feelings of trust and empathy associated with social warmth.

So what can you do to make sure your putting your best hand first? Take a moment the next time you shake someone’s hand. Focus entirely on the meeting of the hands. Let your hand be expressive and not a “cold fish.” Shaking hands is a moment to hold hands with someone. Embrace it as an opportunity to connect. People appreciate the kindness and the touch, as will you.

A handshake means more than you think!

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