Nobody can ease the pain and suffering experienced by someone who is grieving either over the loss of a loved one or upon hearing the terrible news. Indeed, sometimes words can have the opposite effect, aggravating a person's condition.
However, there is something about a hug that makes the aggrieved feel less hurt, less stressed, and less lost. One warm hug from her and poof, everything seems to get better!
Hugging loved ones is the thing many people miss most during the pandemic. Many people didn't realize the importance of touch, including our mental health until they lost the ability to hug their friends and family.
Especially in light of growing concerns about this new variant, the government continues to advise people to avoid social contact. Considering personal risks is also important. You should also keep in mind that your loved one might not feel safe hugging you, so always ask before going in for a cuddle.
Ultimately, though, hugs make us feel good for a reason. And those reasons are many. Let us understand the science behind hugs and know why is it important to hug more often.
Science Behind Hug
Studies have shown that hugging is good for you beyond just making someone feel warm in your arms. Hugging releases an important bonding hormone called oxytocin, which makes us feel warm and cozy.
When we hug, touch, or sit close to another person, our bodies produce oxytocin. Oxytocin is associated with happiness and lower levels of stress. Oxytocin is also linked to an increase in trust and empathy and can help you cope during stressful times by encouraging you to seek social support.
Researchers have found that this hormone has a strong effect on women. Oxytocin reduces blood pressure and norepinephrine, the stress hormone.
According to one study, oxytocin benefits women who have better relationships with their romantic partners and more frequent hugs with them. Women also saw the benefits of oxytocin when they held their infants close.
Research has also shown that oxytocin releases reduce pain, so when someone is suffering a hug can help a lot. When you hug, kiss, cuddle, and share sexual intimacy, oxytocin is released, and it's also released during childbirth and breastfeeding.
Therefore, it makes sense for us to feel more connected to others when performing these activities.
Moreover, oxytocin is also released by mammals, so hugging our pets also feel good. So hugs your dogs and cats often! Pets may have been so popular during lockdown because they have been there for us when friends and family are not around.
Benefits of Hugs
Hugs may protect you from illness. It is less likely that people who have a strong support system will fall ill. People who have strong support systems are less likely to develop severe symptoms. Touching and hugging affect our bodies' immune function through the release of hormones like oxytocin and cortisol.
In contrast to high levels of stress and anxiety, close, supportive relationships benefit our health and wellbeing. Research even suggests that snuggling in bed could protect us against the common cold.
Hugging can improve our sleep. From co-sleeping with infants to cuddling with your partner, gentle touch is known to regulate our sleep as it lowers cortisol levels. A key regulator of our sleep-wake cycle, cortisol is also released when we are stressed.
Therefore, it is no wonder high levels of stress can lead to insomnia or fragmented sleep patterns.
Hugs may even improve your heart health. Hugging family and friends can be beneficial. Research suggests affection may have a positive impact on your heart.
Hugs can help you overcome your fears. Yes, that's right! Researchers have found that touch can reduce anxiety in people with low self-esteem. Whenever people are reminded of their mortality, touch prevents them from isolating themselves.
People's fears were reduced even with the mere touch of an inanimate object, in this case, a teddy bear. Imagine what a hug from a human being can do for them! Hugs may help you cope with pain. Some forms of touch may reduce pain, according to research.
Hugs are an effective way to communicate. Usually, humans communicate verbally or through facial expressions. Touch is also an important way for people to share emotions. Hugs are very comforting and communicative forms of contact.
Hug More Often
We need four hugs a day to survive. For maintenance, we need eight. For growth, we need 12. This may sound like a lot of hugs, but it is better than not enough. If we want to reap the greatest benefits, we should have as many as possible.
Unfortunately, most people in today's fast-paced world are touch-deprived. People today live solitary or busy lives with little social interaction or physical contact. People don't have time to hug and spend time with their kids, spouses, grandparents, etc.
People are often encouraged not to touch others who are not related to them by modern social conventions. Also, the current pandemic situation has reduced our chances to give and receive hugs. However, it seems as though people could benefit greatly from touching others more.
Begin by asking your closest friends and family members for hugs first if you are hesitant to seek out more hugs. Even brief hugs with those closest to you can have a positive effect on your brain and body. So now that you are aware of the amazing benefits of hugs., hug more often!
Written by - Arushi Oberoi
Edited by - Harshdeep Kaur
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