We’re going to paint a picture for you, just bear with us: you work up, you’re running late for work, you left your coffee cup on top of your car and it went flying as soon as you took off, traffic was awful, you and your boss had one of those meetings, your computer was simply not working, you forgot your lunch, and so on and so on, you finally get home, and you’re greeted with the biggest hug and all of the stress from the day just melts away. Most of us have probably been there whether your day was just off, or maybe it was a particularly rough week at home with the kids, money, family, work, whatever the case may be or have been the point is, a hug really seems to solve a lot of problems, and there’s a whole science to it, so let’s take a look at why you should be giving and receiving hugs, according to science.
(image via: istock)
Hugs Can Protect You From Sickness
A study of over 400 adults found that hugging may actually reduce the chance of a person getting sick. Those that have a strong support system were less likely to get sick, and those with a great support system that did get sick had significantly fewer symptoms. (Source)
Hugs Are Heart-Healthy
A study concluded that when comparing two groups of people, group one consisted of couples that held hands for 10 minutes then hugged for 20 seconds and group two consisted of couples that say in silence for 10 minutes and 20 seconds, group one experienced lower blood pressure and a lower, more relaxed heart rate. (Source)
Happy Little Hugs
Oxytocin is a chemical in our body that scientists often call the “cuddle hormone”, and the levels of this hormone rise when we hug or even sit close to people that we like. This hormone is associated with less stress and a whole lotta happiness.
Hugs = Communication
Typically when we think of communication, we think words and facial expressions, but touch is another important form of communication; one of the best ways we can convey comfort is, in fact, through a hug.
Need to Show Support? Give a Hug!
If someone you love is going through a tough time, give them a hug. Not only does hugging a person reduce their stress, but scientists have found that the person giving the hug will have lower stress levels as well.