The handshake is a simple, universal gesture that has been a part of human interaction for centuries. It is one of the most common ways of greeting people, and is often used to establish trust and show respect.

But handshakes do more than just convey social etiquette – they also have some surprising benefits that you might not know about. In this article, we’ll explore some of the ways that a simple handshake can be good for your physical and mental health, and how it can even improve your relationships and professional success.

Boosting Your Immune System

Believe it or not, handshakes can actually improve your immune system. When you shake hands with someone, you are exposed to a small amount of germs and bacteria from their skin.

This might sound like a bad thing, but it actually has the effect of “vaccinating” you against those same germs. Your body can then develop an immune response to fight off those germs more effectively in the future.

This can be especially beneficial for children, who are still developing their immune systems and need exposure to a variety of germs to build immunity.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Handshakes have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels in both men and women. This is because physical contact with another person can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes feelings of trust and bonding.

When you shake someone’s hand, you are establishing a physical connection that can help to calm your nerves and reduce feelings of tension. And because handshakes are so commonplace, they can be an easy way to de-stress in a variety of social and professional situations.

Improving Memory and Cognitive Function

Another surprising benefit of handshakes is that they can improve your memory and cognitive function. This is because physical touch releases a neurotransmitter called dopamine, which is associated with reward and pleasure.

This can help to increase your focus and concentration, and make it easier to remember important information. Additionally, handshakes can be a part of a larger social interaction that is mentally stimulating, which can further improve your brain function.

Establishing Professional Credibility

Handshakes can also be a powerful tool for establishing your professional credibility. In business settings, a firm, confident handshake can convey confidence and authority.

It can also help to establish a sense of trust and respect between you and the person you are meeting with. In fact, studies have shown that people are more likely to hire or do business with someone who has given them a strong handshake. So if you want to make a good impression in a professional setting, be sure to practice your handshake!.

Building Relationships

Finally, handshakes can be a powerful tool for building relationships. When you shake someone’s hand, you are establishing a physical connection that can help to build trust and create a sense of mutual respect.

This can be especially important in new relationships, where you are still building a rapport with someone. A handshake can help to break down barriers and make it easier to connect with the other person. Additionally, handshakes can be an important part of cultural rituals and traditions, which can help to create a sense of belonging and community.

The Bottom Line

Handshakes may seem like a small, insignificant gesture, but they actually have some surprising benefits.

From boosting your immune system to improving your memory and building relationships, handshakes can be a powerful tool for improving your physical and mental health, as well as your personal and professional success. So next time you meet someone new, don’t underestimate the power of a simple handshake!.