The Benefits of Hugs for Your Health

3 minutes

A hug can mean a lot in an instant, but its impact goes much farther because it benefits you in several different ways. In today’s article you’ll learn about the benefits of hugs for your health. Give it a try!

Written by Yamila Papa Pintor

Last update: 15 December, 2022

They connect us, they comfort us, they allow us to express our feelings, and they can make us feel on top of the world…there are lots of health benefits of hugs. Don’t ignore them. They’re like a psychological injection! Find out more in today’s article.

What are the benefits of hugs?

When you give or receive a hug, the hormone oxytocin – the “happiness” hormone – is released. This is also related to social bonding, especially between a mother and child, and it has even more benefits: it lowers blood pressure and stress levels, and increases overall well-being.

To be effective, this physical contact must be sincere and last for a few seconds. There’s nothing more beautiful than taking refuge in the arms of someone you love. Although you may have been taught that a hug is something “intimate” (and truly it is), even a hug on the street with a stranger can be just what you need to add color to a gray day. These are some of the benefits of hugs for your health:

We recommend you read: Hugs seriously benefit your emotional health

1-They provide your body with oxygen

When you enter into an embrace it stimulates your hemoglobin levels, which translates into more oxygen transport into the bloodstream and vital organs. It’s like being instantly rejuvenated!

2-They reduce high blood pressure

This benefits isn’t just related to hugs, but also the simple act of holding hands with someone you love. Either way, it slows your heart rate and lowers blood pressure, which translates into more peaceful feelings and a reduced risk of heart problems.

3-They aid in the development of a baby

When you hug a newborn, mothers, family members, doctors, and nurses are helping improve the process of development by increasing energy and the immune system, and helping the infant related to their environment. Hugs also help them recognize others!

See also: 10 reasons to give more hugs

4-They reduce stress

When you come home after a stressful day, there’s nothing better than a big hug from your children, your partner, or even your pet. This is because direct contact with someone you love greatly alleviates your worries, helps you forget about work or financial woes, and automatically brings a smile to your face. Better than a hot shower or herbal tea, a hug can help you say goodbye to stress.

5-They strengthen your immune system

Another benefit from hugs is that they can help you as you grow older. When you give or receive a hug it strengthens your immune system and reduces your susceptibility to disease, especially in the winter. When the temperature drops, therefore, it’s the start of hug season for everyone. This will help you avoid colds and a sore throat.

6-They eliminate insomnia

Hugs are like a powerful sleeping pill that can help you on those nights when you can’t fall asleep, either because you can’t stop thinking about certain problems or because there’s a storm raging outside. If it’s hard for you to fall asleep and you’re experiencing negative health impacts, the best medicine is to sleep next to someone you love. If you live alone, grab your dog or cat!

7-They’re a natural anti-depressant

In the same way that hugs help you sleep and eliminate stress, they also serve as a powerful anti-depressant. If you feel sad, unhappy, or can’t find meaning in your life, it’s a good idea to hug someone close to you. That contact will return meaning to your life and make you feel understood and less alone.

More benefits of hugs

In addition to the health benefits of giving and receiving hugs, there are other emotional and mental benefits:

1-Increased feelings of safety and confidence

A hug makes you feel welcome, supported, and comforted. You can go out in front of a crowd and give a presentation, face an exam and do well, or finally come to terms with something you’ve been running from for a long time. If you need a dose of confidence in any situation that makes you nervous, just ask for a hug. You’ll relax and feel like you can do anything.

2-Less irritability

By stimulating your circulation, hugs can help when you feel overwhelmed by anger. Why? Because this allows you to release all that tension and relax.

If you’re in a bad mood for no reason in particular, as for a hug from someone. Even a co-worker can help.

3-Expression of feelings

What better way is there to show someone you love them than by giving them a hug? This act expresses your emotions without you having to say a word. Everyone knows the meaning of a hug. It could say: “You can count on me”, “You’re important to me”, “I’ll protect you”, “I understand”, “I love you”, and so much more. Hugs connect you with others and both of you benefit from the contact. It’s time to give more hugs!