Psychology Today: 4 Physical Benefits of Hugging

"For those lucky enough to have loved ones close by, hugging can have substantial health benefits. Unfortunately, people who have been deprived of physical touch during social isolations and lockdowns in the COVID-19 pandemic have felt the detrimental health effects that a lack of physical touch can impose.

Physically lonely people will go so far as to pay for a hug from a professional hugger. Not only that, but any long-distance couple will tell you that the physical separation of a loved one can be emotionally and physiologically painful.

Human connection, and more specifically human touch, is crucial in the development of healthy babies and adults. While each person may have a varying level of how much affectionate touch they want to receive or give, everyone requires human touch to some degree.

Hugging is described as a brief embrace where two people wrap their arms around each other for about one to five seconds. Unlike cuddling, which is typically reserved for our intimate partners and can last a long time, hugging takes very little time to enact but can have huge physical benefits.

Hugging has impressive health benefits, particularly since it occurs for such a short time. Here are four reasons why hugging feels so good:

1. Hugging can reduce inflammation. Inflammation in our bodies is a physiological response to illness. In one study, inflammation was measured using saliva samples from 20 adults who were also asked to record the number of hugs they received over 14 days. Results showed that hugs were inversely related to inflammation. To put it simply, more hugs equal less inflammation
2. Hugging reduces blood pressure. In a study of 59 premenopausal women (ages ranging from 20 to 29 years old), the number of hugs received from a spouse predicted lower blood pressure scores. Blood pressure is one way to assess cardiovascular health, thus, hugging is good for your heart.
3. Hugging helps reduce the severity of the common cold. In a study of 404 adults, the number of hugs over 14 days was found to reduce the effects of interpersonal conflict on the severity of the common cold infection; hugs worked as a stress buffer where the severity of infection is reduced when hugs are frequent.
4. Hugging promotes the production of oxytocin. Oxytocin, or the “love” hormone, is released from our pituitary gland. It is an important hormone because it can serve as a stress buffer but also makes us feel bonded and connected to others."

Read the full article here!

Reflection:

How does a hug from a loved one make you feel? When was the last time you gave/received a hug?

#Hugging #Oxytocin #Health #Relationships #Bonding