By Scarlett Lewis, Chief Movement Officer, Choose Love Movement
Each May, Mental Health Awareness Month invites us to reflect on the importance of emotional well-being—for ourselves, our families, and our communities. While mental health conversations usually center around thoughts and emotions, we sometimes forget the quiet strength of our physical presence. A gentle hand on a shoulder, a warm hug, even steady eye contact—these small gestures of compassionate touch can convey what words sometimes cannot: You are not alone. You are loved. Studies show that compassionate touch can lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety, and foster a sense of safety. For someone in emotional pain, it could be the very thing they need to hold on a little longer, to feel seen.
20 Seconds of Self-compassionate Touch Leads to better Mental Health
By offering ourselves kindness and compassion, we can yield the same benefits. A study published in the journal Behaviour Research and Therapy, found a quick moment of self-compassionate touch — soothing yourself through physical contact — could induce similar mental health benefits as meditation, which usually requires more time and commitment. In fact, a single 20-second session of self-compassionate touch significantly reduced stress, increased kindness to the participant, and improved mental well-being. The effects on those who performed a 20-second session daily had greater effects on their mental health than those who did not..
Compassionate Touch for the Classroom
With the rise of mental health challenges amongst our youth, educators need effective solutions to create calmer classrooms and emotional resilience. Touch is as essential as nutrition to the development of a newborn baby. Research in neuroscience has proven that nurturing touch positively impacts brain development, mental health, and social behavior. There is also much confusion and fear because of the harm that can be done with inappropriate touch. Healthy compassionate touch can be safely included within the daily routine of the classroom as a tool in supporting the regulation of the nervous system, along with many other benefits.
The Choose Love extension program, Healthy Compassionate Connection offers practical ways to use touch within the daily activities of the classroom.
OUTCOMES:
- Learn the neuroscience of touch and its relationship to our emotional state
- Explore the research on how healthy compassionate touch increases concentration, promotes resilience, and decreases unwanted behaviors.
- Discover practical ways to use touch within the daily activities of the classroom.
- Understand the importance of the basic ground rules of touch to provide safety and respectful boundaries.
The Healthy Compassionate Connection extension program was created by author, speaker, and licensed Physical Therapist specializing in craniosacral therapy, Kate Mackinnon who has been using touch to support her patients in their healing and in accessing their physical potential for the last 30 years. She’s passionate about helping people create comfort and ease in their bodies.
Listen to Scarlett’s podcast with Kate Mackinnon, and watch this short video by Kate.
Compassion-in-Action Magazine and Toolkit
We also encourage you to access our Compassion-in-Action Toolkit is a free, easy-to-use resource designed for individuals, families, schools, and communities.
- Choose Love Magazine – Compassion-in-Action
- Toolkit for Middle and High School
- Toolkit for Elementary
It offers fun activities and resources to:
- Cultivate empathy and kindness
- Strengthen emotional resilience
- Turn compassion into everyday action
Let this month be a reminder that our collective mental health depends on connection, compassion, and love. Choosing love isn’t a one-time decision—it’s a movement, a mindset, and a daily practice. Through our Extension programs and community partnerships, we can turn compassion into action and help every person know they are seen, valued, and loved.
#ChooseLove #MentalHealth #Awareness #MHAM
