A sincere hug from a friend or partner can have a very powerful effect on our body. In addition to laughter, hugs also have healing properties.
Research shows that hugging is very effective in treating various ailments, as well as loneliness, depression, anxiety and stress.
V studies, conducted at the University of North Carolina, researchers found that hugging increases oxytocin levels, reduces the risk of heart disease, lowers blood pressure and levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
How does our body react to a hug?
According to a study, a couple in love who hug for 20 seconds would experience a significant increase in the level of oxytocin, a hormone normally released during childbirth or breastfeeding. Even a friendly hug can increase its level significantly, but not to the same extent as a romantic one. Meanwhile, levels of cortisol – the stress hormone – dropped significantly in women, as did blood pressure.
Research Manager and psychologist dr. Karen Grewen says: "Partner support is associated with higher oxytocin levels in men and women. However, the importance of oxytocin and its potential cardioprotective effects is greater in women."
In the second studies, linked to the hug, which was carried out as part of the Nestlé Happily Healthy project, almost 60,000 people from Australia participated.
The project was led by dr. Anthony Grant, a psychologist at the University of Sydney and at Galaxy Research, concluded: "Science tells us that touch has a very important effect on physical and mental health. Touch has been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate, strengthen the immune system and relieve pain. A hug releases oxytocin, a hormone that makes people feel safe, lowers their cortisol levels, and reduces stress, anxiety and depression."
The benefits of hugging
Humans are social creatures, as proven by countless studies. These show that those who maintain close friendships, as well as those who are married, are physically and mentally healthier.
Research shows that a sincere hug, in which two hearts are pressed against each other, has these benefits:
- Hugging builds trust and a sense of security, which helps in open and honest communication.
- Hugging can instantly increase oxytocin levels.
- Long hugs increase the level of serotonin, a hormone responsible for good mood and a general feeling of happiness.
- Hugging strengthens the immune system. It stimulates the thymus gland, which regulates and regulates the production of white blood cells in the body.
- Hugging relaxes muscles and tension in the body and can relieve pain.
- A good hug literally lowers the level of cortisol - the stress hormone.
- A hug can instantly lift your mood.
And all this - absolutely free!
