BY BRANDI NEAL

While there aren’t a lot of things we can thank President Donal Trump for, it turns out that we can thank him for an increase in cuddling. Professional cuddling is a real job, and it’s becoming even more popular since Trump took office. It’s no secret that affection-starved people living in the U.S. suffer higher rates of depression and anxiety than those living in more touch-centric cultures, the cuddle business The Snuggle Buddies noted.

You’re always on the go, always on your device, and you might go days without touching another human. Add that to the stress of the 24-hour news cycle spitting out story after story about the musical chairs of Trump’s cabinet and ill-advised policy proposals, and you probably need a hug. I know I do. Perhaps the secret to feeling better is to simply reach out and touch someone.

“Platonic human touch releases oxytocin (chemical in our brains), which is why touch therapy and professional cuddling services have been so successful,” The Snuggle Buddies, which has cuddlers around the country, noted. “Oxytocin has a major role in lowering blood pressure, lowering stress levels, reducing social anxiety, helping to relieve pain, and protecting against inflammation.”

While it started as an alternative therapy, the professional cuddling business has gone mainstream, in part due to Trump being elected president, according to an article in Rolling Stone by Allie Volpe. While it might sound a little touchy feely for your taste, here’s why you might want to give cuddling a chance.