What’s in a hug? There’s more to it than the satisfaction of physical affection. Hugs have proven to help with a number of important aspects in our life, like our social relationships, the relationships we have with ourselves, and our physical and mental health.
It’s the ultimate calming action that can make a huge difference in how our day goes. If you want to find out the power of a hug, keep reading.
It gives good feelings all around
The act of hugging someone or something releases a number of feel-good hormones like oxytocin, endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. All of these chemicals let us experience feelings of happiness, relaxation, contentment, and relief, making hugs a super easy way to feel good fast!
It brings us closer to other people
It’s not a secret that physical touch brings us closer to other people. Hugs are one of the most effective and simple examples of physical touch that we can engage in with our loved ones. Because hugs release endorphins, getting a nice, tight embrace from a family member, friend, or even a pet can make us feel emotionally closer to them.
It can help with physical health
It sounds far-fetched, but hugs can actually keep away illness. Hugs release oxytocin, or the “love hormone,” which relax your body and reduce anxiety and stress. Less stress can significantly lower blood pressure and promote heart health, while also strengthening the immune system.
It makes a difference in mental health
We’ve talked about all the kinds of hormones that hugs release. The bottom line is that the act of hugging brings about reduced stress levels, lower risk of depression, and less chance of anxiety. When you hug or are hugged, you are less likely to feel lonely and isolated and more likely to feel like you’re connected to someone else.
So you see? Hugs are more than just a simple embrace. Whether it’s another person, a pillow, or pet, hugs will always make you feel better. If you need a mental and emotional boost, you already know what to do!
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