If you’re missing hugs, try this instead

Missing hugs and hand-holding? You're not alone. James Coan, a psychology professor at the University of Virginia, studies the power of human touch. According to Coan and many recent studies, the coronavirus crisis has been "a uniquely hellish time" for mental health. While hugs and hand-holding are still off limits, Coan suggests singing as a way to connect.   "You might feel odd singing for someone, like maybe you don't have a good voice or whatever. But when you do that and you make yourself vulnerable to embarrassment and then someone else responds positively, your brain gets a huge dose of oxytocin and dopamine," Coan explained. "You feel good and you feel safe because you know that other people care about you." Read more of his advice Get the TODAY Mobile App Follow TODAY Privacy Unsubscribe