Unfortunately, there is a serious drought of love and happy feelings in the world today, yet those feelings are essential to your well-being. In the book, The How of Happiness, psychology professor Sonja Lyubomirsky indicates that 40 percent of our happiness is a result of our own actions. And the easiest way to increase feelings of happiness is through touch.

This power of touch could come in many forms such as taking a nice warm bath or getting a foot or full-body massage. Some folks even swear by the simple act of sitting near a floor heat vent with a blanket covering them and the vent. This can create nerve sensations and release feel-good chemicals in your brain and body.

But there are many other touch techniques that create happy emotions. Although you might not realize it, one such technique is actually the enjoyment of comfort foods—like homemade cookies… hot buttered popcorn… or perhaps a fruit and nut smoothie, if you delight in healthier choices.

However, the final and best touch therapy of all is the kind you do with your lover or spouse. Truly, the anticipation of affectionate touching is exciting enough to lift your mood, but if you combine that with a genuine friendship connection… you have the recipe for true happiness.

So are you feeling sad? Reach out and touch someone.