[ Photo by Freepik.com] Here are 5 powerful reasons to give someone a squeeze today Hugging is very comforting. In addition, there is no substitution for that warm feeling of holding someone in your arms (or being held). The coronavirus pandemic evidenced it well when hugs were probably at the top of the list of things you missed the most. The isolation and lack of human connection made quarantining very difficult. We hug when we’re excited, happy, sad, or seeking comfort. Hugging makes us feel good. And it turns out that it makes us healthier too. There’s strong evidence that giving your loved ones an affectionate squeeze can actually be good for your health. So check out 5 health benefits of hugs! Hugs boost your immune system Hugs can make you feel good – and stronger too. Hugging can boost levels of natural killer cells, lymphocytes, immunoglobulins, and other immune-boosting cells. Touching and hugging can also affect our body’s immune response through hormone regulation, includi
When we feel more content and satisfied with our lives, we also feel healthier
Happiness has an intimate relationship with health. No wonder when we feel more content and satisfied with our lives, we also feel healthier. There is even scientific proof for this! A new study by the University of British Columbia (US) associated higher life satisfaction with better physical and mental health.
The research found 21 positive health and well-being outcomes linked with high life satisfaction, such as a reduced risk of mortality, chronic pain, sleep disorders, and depression. The study, published recently in The Milbank Quarterly, examined data from a nationally representative sample of 12,998 US adults aged over 50.
Not the only one
This study is the first to associate a positive change in life satisfaction with better outcomes on a wide range of physical and psychosocial health outcomes – but it is not the only one. Many other studies have assessed how being happy makes you healthier. And the fact is that being happy can affect your lifestyle in many positive ways.
Felling well, eating well
When you feel more content about your life, you are also more willing to exercise and eat more fruits and vegetables. And it leads to numerous benefits for your physical health. A study by the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania) analyzed more than 7,000 adults and found that those with a positive well-being were 47% more likely to consume fresh fruits and vegetables. They were also 33% more likely to be physically active.
Diets rich in fruits and vegetables are associated with a range of health benefits, including lower risks of diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Also, regular physical activity helps build strong bones, increase energy levels, decrease body, fat and lower blood pressure.
No stress – just good vibes
Feeling good about life also helps – and a lot – to relax. That means lower stress levels, better sleep nights, and all the benefits that it brings. A study by University College London (England) assessed over 700 adults and found that sleep problems, including trouble falling asleep and difficulty staying asleep, were 47% higher in individuals with low levels of positive well-being. Sleep is essential for concentration, productivity, exercise performance, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Another study by the University College London (England) with 200 adults found that happier individuals’ cortisol levels were 32% lower than for unhappy participants. Stress increases hormone cortisol levels, which can cause weight gain, disturbed sleep and high blood pressure.
It’s good to feel good
Scientific evidence suggests that being happy may have significant benefits for your health. Intergovernmental organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have urged countries to use well-being indicators in addition to traditional economic indicators, like GDP when making policy decisions. So, focus on the well-being and quality of life of populations is as important as their physical health.
by Chris Bueno
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