Are you a hug or a handshake kind of person? If you’re the latter, you might want to reconsider the power a hug can have on your health. As it turns out, that giant purple dinosaur might have been on to something when he decided that hugs were the standard greeting. Of course, we all know hugs can be comforting during hard times, but why not start making it a regular part of your day? We have a few reasons below to start doing just that.
- Hugs reduce stress by showing your support
When a friend or family member deals with something painful or unpleasant in their lives, hug them.
Researchers found that the parts of each woman’s brain associated with stress showed reduced activity, while those parts related to maternal behaviour rewards showed more activity. So when we hug someone to comfort them, these parts of our brain may show a similar response.
- Hugs may protect you against illness
The stress-reducing effects of hugging might also work to keep you healthier.
In a study of over 400 adults, researchers found that hugging may reduce the chance a person will get sick. The participants with a more effective support system were less likely to get sick. And those with the more powerful support system who did get sick had less severe symptoms than those with little or no support system.
- Hugs can make you happier
Oxytocin is a chemical in our bodies that scientists sometimes call the “cuddle hormone.” This is because its levels rise when we hug, touch, or sit close to someone else. Oxytocin is associated with happiness and less stress.
Scientists have found that this hormone has a strong effect on women. In addition, oxytocin causes a reduction in blood pressure and of the stress hormone norepinephrine.
- Hugs help reduce your fears
Scientists have found that touch can reduce anxiety in people with low self-esteem. Touch can also keep people from isolating themselves when reminded of their mortality.
- Hugs may help reduce your pain
Research suggests some forms of touch may be capable of reducing pain.
Hugging is another form of touch that may help reduce pain.
- Hugs help you communicate with others
Most human communication occurs verbally or through facial expressions. But touch is another meaningful way that people can send messages to one another.
Scientists have found that a stranger could express a wide range of emotions to another person by touching different parts of their body. Some sentiments expressed include anger, fear, disgust, love, gratitude, happiness, sadness, and sympathy.
Hugging is a very comforting and communicative type of touch.