What are the benefits of hugs? 4 scientifically proven reasons

Four hugs a day are necessary for survival. Eight is for a normal life. Twelve is for a breakthrough. You’ve probably come across such recommendations on social networks, books and articles. We’ll talk about how it works and why hugs are so good for your health.

A person needs a person, including for touch. In a big city, we can do a lot on our own, without outside help, but for a full hug we need someone nice. If you are attentive enough to yourself, you will notice: even if you hug someone purely formally, socially, you will feel how your mood has improved. What happens to our body when we hold someone close to us?

Oxytocin release

Oxytocin is called the bonding hormone. It increases the level of trust between people, makes us more tender and satisfied. Oxytocin reduces the effects of cortisol, the anxiety hormone (almost everyone has too much of it these days). Thanks to oxytocin, there is a gentle decrease in blood pressure, and this reduces the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases.

It has been noticed that lonely people are at much greater risk of the same heart attack. If you can’t sleep, you toss and turn in bed, tormented by gloomy thoughts, you can resort to certain medications (as prescribed by the doctor, of course), sadly count sheep, or you can bask in someone’s arms for ten minutes – sleep will come by itself. This is also the “magic” of oxytocin.

By the way, if we talk about interaction between people, the following effect has been noticed: more hugs – better relationships. Of course, when the conflict has gone too far, hugs cannot solve the problem. But to maintain a warm atmosphere in a couple, a group of friends or even colleagues, the tradition of hugging each other – when meeting, saying goodbye, or just like that, out of an excess of feelings – can raise communication to a different level without long and sometimes tedious discussions.

Endorphin release

Endorphins are chemical compounds produced by the brain. Their effects on the body are similar to opiates and have an analgesic effect. When a baby falls or hits something, he instinctively runs to his mother so that she can kiss, hug and comfort him. Hugs and generally gentle touches can reduce the severity of pain.

Stimulation of the thymus gland

This mysterious organ is located behind our sternum. In childhood, it is the thymus gland that is largely responsible for the formation of the body’s immunity. Light pressure on the chest with a positive emotional charge stimulates it and turns on the internal defense system.

Nervous system stimulation

Hugs give a certain bioelectric reaction that calms the nerves. The skin of the person being hugged seems to receive information that the world is safe and friendly, and the person himself is accepted and loved by someone.

Of course, an adult will not die without hugs, but the quality of life, as well as its duration, may decrease. In a big city there are great prospects, but the likelihood of finding yourself alone in a crowd is also high. Therefore, it makes sense to take care of yourself if, for example, you live alone and no changes are expected in the near future.

Try a massage. A good massage therapist will give your body the full range of necessary sensations. Isn’t there such a possibility? Don’t be lazy to massage yourself. Read about simple self-massage techniques in the article at the link.