The Benefits of Hugs for Your Health
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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