Hugging is healthy<\/a>, we told you last week. Did you know writing love letters and cards also benefits your body and mind? \u00a0The health effects are significant.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Aunt Nathalie, I love you.\u2019<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n And: \u2018This movie is for you because you are s\u00f3\u00f3\u00f3\u00f3\u00f3\u00f3\u00f3\u00f3\u00f3\u00f3 sweet.\u2019<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n When something unpleasant happens, the self-made cards and videos with declarations of love of my now 6-year-old niece always make my day. And that is not surprising, say scientists who conducted research into the effects of love on body and mind.<\/span><\/p>\n Both showing and receiving gratitude, love and appreciation improves your mental and emotional wellbeing. And that does not concern romantic love alone. Scientists have shown that gratitude and <\/span>kindness<\/span><\/a> reduce fear, <\/span>improve relationships<\/span><\/a> and diminish the number of <\/span>stress hormones<\/span><\/a> in your body. And that is not all. According to <\/span>this report<\/span><\/a> of neuroscientists Tobias Esch and George Stefano loving activities activate areas in your brain that regulate your emotions, attention, motivation and memory. The nervous system in your brains has protective effects on your entire body, including the brains themselves. Love and joy boost health, welfare, and (re)productivity! ‘Letter Love\u2019 can even <\/span>lower your cholesterol<\/span><\/a>!<\/span><\/p>\n The opposite is also true: the absence of positive social interaction or ties is associated with <\/span>physical and mental problems<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>If your so called Positivity Ratio (the ratio between the positive and negative emotions that you experience) is too low, depression symptoms easily emerge. Your body and mind are pre-programmed to remember negative experiences more and to let them impact your more. Therefore, always make sure that you receive at least three times as many positive as negative stimuli. Then your ratio will be positive. Wondering what your positivity ratio is? Take the <\/span>test<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Do you find it difficult to put your feelings into words? Then do something <\/span>mindfulness<\/span><\/a> exercises. Also help other exercises in <\/span>positive psychology<\/span><\/a>. Try reading your card or letter out loud:<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>