Hugs feel soothing. They show us that we are loved and protected. Because of this they can apparently help ward off stress related illnesses.
Researchers from the Carnegie Mellon University did a study back in 2015 on the impact hugging can have on the common cold.
What they found was that those people who felt they had greater social support were less likely to come down with a stress related cold, and around 32% of this benefit was due to the stress-buffering effects of hugging.
Apparently a good old fashioned hug releases oxytocin which is often called "the bonding hormone" because it promotes attachment (especially between mothers and their children). This has a trickle down effect that includes slowing down the heart rate and a drop in stress hormones. There is also evidence that oxytocin can improve immune function and pain tolerance (among other things).
Being hugged when you're stressed can give you a shot of oxytocin which may in turn help take off some of the pressure.
Who needs prescription meds when you can borrow somebody's big strong arms instead?
Are you a hugger?
Could someone around you benefit from a hug?
Perhaps you could do with a hug right now?
Information source: US News
I'm a massive hug fan- nothing better!
ReplyDeleteI read somewhere that women need hugs to stay happy in a marriage. There is definitely something connecting about having someone's arms around you...
ReplyDeleteI love hugs and I love giving them. I now know what to do when I feel a cold coming on... :)
ReplyDeleteIt depends who is involved in the hugging. I could do with a hug right now.
ReplyDeleteNothing like a good hug. x
ReplyDeleteI'm a big fan of hugging - nothing beats a good hug. Have you seen the guy from the Free Hugs Project? He's a gem. Check him out on Facebook, I think you'd be a big fan of his work!
ReplyDeleteHugs work like magic ;) Except as we get older hugs become less and less part of our life, which is sad really. The physical connection we have with the ones we love can never be underestimated, especially through a hug xx
ReplyDeleteHUGE fan of hugs..and wasn't always like this! I know the effects are good and recently I got a happiness is ....cartoon made especially for me and my husband...Happiness Is hugging each other every day. I shared it on IG. It 's on our fridge and we do hug...for the love AND the oxytocin every day!
ReplyDeleteI love big hugs & cuddles with the kids but the older I get the less I like to be touched!!! I know though it can changed your mood within a few seconds if you do hug.
ReplyDeletePhysical touch is not my love language so having a son who is very touchy/feely has been tricky. That boy is an over-hugger! I have had to get him to ask his sisters for hugs, because I simply don't have that many in me to give.
ReplyDeleteAt the moment, hugs still feel like a demand for something from me beyond what I have to give. Or maybe it's a love language thing. I'm an acts of service girl. Cook dinner before I get home and you have my undying love and gratitude!
Oh wow! I do like a good snuggle. I'm very glad that my kids do too! :-)
ReplyDeleteOh so interesting!! I was reading about hugging helping with wound healing recently! I have three little girls so there's lots of awesome hugging happening round these parts :) x
ReplyDeleteI hug often and I hug widely :) nothing beats a good squeeze.
ReplyDeleteYep big believer in the power of hugs. Love hugging!
ReplyDeleteI'm a big hugger! Love them!! Farmer and my boys are lovely huggers. My 6'3 and 6'4 brothers are lovely huggers too. And hugs from my kiwi uncles - they are so good they make you cry!! They're a real "I miss you so much, jeez you remind me of your Dad" (their brother) type hug :) xx #teamIBOT
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