“Sometimes, you just need a hug”
This may be one of the most repeated sayings of popular wisdom, but in fact, science shows that there is a lot of truth to this sentence.
Sadly, during the Coronavirus pandemic the majority of us have been strongly advised not to embrace friends, family or loved-ones.
Furthermore, the pandemic has led to increased levels of depression and anxiety, and one of the simplest things we could do to ease that pain sharing the power of a hug has been denied to us.
Over the past couple of years many of us have realized just how important personal affection and touch is. During “regular” life in our pursuit of happiness we usually focus on things like personal development, health and relationships with others.
But sometimes, we place too much importance on long-term goals, and we overlook the power of smaller but equally effective things.
One of those things is the power of hugging others and how this gesture contributes to our overall well-being.
- Hugs reduce stress by showing your support
- Hugs can make you happier
- Hugs help reduce your fears
- Hugs may protect you against illness
- Hugs may boost your heart health
Hugging can be good for your heart health
In one study, “trusted source: scientists split a group of about 200 adults into two groups:”
- One group had romantic partners hold hands for 10 minutes followed by a 20-second hug with each other.
- The other group had romantic partners who sat in silence for 10 minutes and 20 seconds.
People in the first group showed greater reductions in blood pressure levels and heart rate than the second group.
According to these findings, an affectionate relationship may be good for your heart health.
A family therapist Virginia once said, “We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.”
While that may sound like a lot of hugs, it seems that many hugs are better than not enough. Start hugging the ones you love.
When we hug our body releases endorphins which are natural neurotransmitters that naturally allow our bodies to relieve pain within.
Some of the neurochemicals include the hormone oxytocin, which plays an important role in social bonding, which releases anxiety and helps reduce our stress overload.
In addition to that, a hug is an embrace of love and togetherness, a form of therapy that generates feelings of well-being.
Give a hug ♥️
This post was written by Lauren K., and published by Convenient Counseling Services.
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