Warm embraces make the world a better place. It’s no shocker that hugs make one feel accepted and loved. Luckily for us, both the giver and receiver enjoy plenty of emotional benefits that accompany such squeezes of affection. Hugs reduce loneliness, beat fear, boost self-esteem, calm tension and are just the perfect way to show appreciation. Add the upcoming five health benefits and bask in the bliss of hugs, especially on National Hugging Day.
HUGS LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE
No, it’s not the stuff of dreams. Human-to-human contact instigates pressure receptors on the skin called Pacinian corpuscles, which send direct signals to the section of the brain which is responsible for lowering blood pressure.
HUGS BOOST THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Feeling a bit under the weather? Request an extra special embrace from your dearly beloved. Hugging is proved to generate a feel-good factor which doesn’t allow one to get sick. The positive feelings people experience after a loving squeeze boost hormones that fight infections.
GOOD HUG, GOOD HEART
A study conducted in North Carolina has found that apart from being a good mechanism of healing therapy, hugs are proven to lower stress hormone levels. In turn, blood flow is eased and the heart rate gets steadied. Embraces are the best alternative medicine to help anyone remain disease free.
HUGS STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS
Showing affection is a fundamental motion of strong relationships. Whether embracing parents, friends or partners; giving out hugs shows how much you care. Feel empathy when dark times hit, heal bad feelings or celebrate accomplishments by extending a warm and fuzzy press. Closest ones are too far away? Share a cyber hug – simple words of affection can boost morale.
HUGS IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
Anything can twist our effervescent nature and pull a black robe over our happiness; from a breakup to an unexpected death, getting fired from a job or arguing with friends. Internal distress can result in a surge of negative emotions that tamper with our psychological wellbeing. Although serious mental health difficulty should be dealt with the professionals, research shows how hugs can seriously improve our look at life. Physical affection releases a hormone called oxytocin, which is responsible for boosting good feelings.
Virginia Satir, a renowned family therapist says “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need twelve hugs a day for growth.” If you’re not already receptive to warm embraces, add some secret sauce to your daily mantra. Build trust with the ones closest to you and share a hug whenever someone needs safety reassurance. It’s the best thing you can give yourself and others.