The next time you see someone you like – give ‘em a high five!

When is the last time you high fived someone? 

Go ahead – it feels pretty good. A new study from Brigham Young University reveals that kind of touching actually boosts our moods. The same can be said for any other supportive touch gesture such as a pat on the back or an arm around the shoulder. Those touches give us a burst of oxytocin boosting our bonding sensation and sense of well-being. 

The supportive touch theory works in all kinds of environments. Sports teams who share high fives or fist bumps tend to outperform teams who don’t. Students who get a supportive touch from a teacher are twice as likely to volunteer in class – and a kind touch from a doctor gives patients the sensation that their visit lasts twice as long as those who’s doctors are hands-off.