Hugs Are Good For You

For those of you who know me well, you will be surprised to find me writing about HUGS! Typically I am not a hugger; however during this pandemic, I have found myself wanting to throw my arms around a person so I can experience a hug!

There are lots of good, healthy scientifically proven reasons to hug. Here are just a few:

  1. Hugs Ward Off Illness. A study found that frequent hugs actually protected people from increased susceptibility to the kind of stress that leads to infection. And participants who were sick exhibited fewer symptoms when they were hugged more often.
  2. Hugs Release Oxytocin. Oxytocin is often called the “love hormone,” and it’s released when we cuddle or bond. It’s the reason why being hugged feels so good. So when you are feeling down, give someone a squeeze and feel your mood lift.
  3. Hugs Make You Feel Live Everything Will Be Okay. When instinctively hug those who are struggling. When you receive a hug from someone you care about or who makes you happy, it can generally leave you feeling safe, and excited for the future.
  4. Hugs Cut Down on Stress. You probably know that cortisol is a stress hormone, but did you know that hugs can actually combat cortisol? The science of this is pretty involved, but essentially a hug can lower cortisol levels and counteract the physiological consequences around being stressed.

Sometimes a hug can change someone’s day, and it only takes seconds. Hug your loved ones and friends more. Show them you care, and you will reap the benefits too!