 |
| [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, including oxytocin and cortisol. Whereas high levels of stress and anxiety can suppress our ability to fight infections, close, supportive relationships benefit health and wellbeing. A study conducted by the Carnegie Mellon University (US) with over 400 adults showed that those who felt socially supported and were hugged more often also experienced less-severe signs of illness.
Hugs can be good for your heart health
Hugging is good for your heart – in several ways! Regular hugging might be good for your cardiovascular health, mainly regarding keeping your blood pressure under control. A study by the University of North Carolina (US) assessed a group of about 200 adults during a stressful situation (giving a public speech). The researchers split the subjects into two groups: one held hands with their partner for 10 minutes and then hugged them for 20 seconds, while the other group just sat in silence before being sent off to the task. People in the first group showed lower blood pressure and lower heart rate in response to the stressful situation than the second group.
Hugs can make you happier
Hugs can help minimize negative emotions and favor a more positive state. Social touch bonds us together and helps maintain our relationships, underpinning our physical and emotional wellbeing. Hugging releases endorphin (the “happiness” hormone) and oxytocin (the “love” hormone), both associated with pleasure and reduced stress. Oxytocin causes a reduction in blood pressure and norepinephrine (a stress hormone). A study from the University of Winnipeg (Canada) indicated that individuals experiencing distress who received an affectionate touch from their partners felt more supported. Another study by the University of Freiburg (Switzerland) showed that people who received (or gave to) more contact from their partner presented better mood, more intimacy as a couple, and better psychological wellbeing over time.
Hugs may reduce your pain
A gentle and loving squeeze may help soothe your pain. It may be physically beneficial even for people with some chronic conditions. A study by the University of Minneapolis (US) showed that touch might help cancer patients experience less pain, in addition to lowered blood pressure and fatigue. Another research by the Wichita State University and the Kansas Heart Hospital (US) with people with fibromyalgia receiving therapeutic touch treatments observed that participants reported an increase in quality of life and reduced pain.
Hugs reduce stress
A nice and tight squeeze can do wonders to help manage stress. Nurturing touch produces higher oxytocin levels receptors (a hormone associated with empathy, trust, and relationship-building) and lower cortisol levels (a hormone associated with stress) in brain regions vital for regulating emotions. Giving someone support through touch can reduce the stress of both the person being comforted and the person comforting. A study by the University of Zurich (Switzerland) found that interpersonal contact can lower cortisol secretion in response to stressful situations.
by Chris Bueno
[ABOUT US] [EDITORIAL POLICY] [PRIVACY POLICY] [TERMS OF USE] [MEDICAL DISCLAIMER]