There’s nothing quite like a hug. Sometimes, we embrace to express affection for a family member or friend. Other times, a hug is a part of a greeting or goodbye. But …Did you know there are biological reasons we hug and science-backed facts about hugs to support their positive role in our lives? Hugging increases the hormone level of the “love hormone” oxytocin. A hug for 20 seconds reduces the effects of stress, high blood pressure, and heart rate. A hug for 10 seconds per day, helps to boost your immunity system, ease depression and reduce fatigue. According to a 2014 study at Carnegie Mellon University, hugs reduced the risk of infection. The more often people hugged, the less likely they were to get sick and less frequently experienced conflict. That quick affectionate squeeze reminds the ones you love that they matter!
PUT INTO PRACTICE
Remember it this way: A hug a day can keep the conflict away!
FIND A LOVED ONE TO SQUEEZE THIS WEEK!
Hugs Make You Happier
Hugging increases serotonin, a neurotransmitter known as the “feel good” hormone that is produced and spread by neurons in the brain. Serotonin helps us feel happy, calm, and confident. When serotonin flows freely, we feel good about ourselves.
Hugs Deepen Your Relationship
We instinctively want to hug those we know are in pain. When you receive a hug from someone you care about, it can bring you comfort, make you feel safe, and sometimes even turn your entire day around.