Whether you are wrapped up in the arms of your partner or greeting a new friend hello, hugs have a manner of making us feel fuzzy and warm inside. However, aside from making feel loved and protected, this gently touching gesture could also do wonders for your well-being. Hugging therapy is definitely a powerful way of healing. It is shown that hugging is extremely effective at healing disease, sickness, loneliness, anxiety, depression, and stress. So, what are specific health benefits of hugging? Whether it is just a simple squeeze, a big bear hug, or a little bit cute cuddling – there are a lot of reasons why you should hug at least 8 times each day for growth. Here are listed some of the health benefits of hugging – from Wikiyeah.com!
Benefits Of Hugging – Reasons Why You Should Be Giving More Hugs
1. Make Us Feel Good
Of course, this is the first and foremost benefits of hugging. When you embrace someone, oxytocin – the cuddle hormone – will be released, thereby making you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. This chemical has also been associated with social bonding. Oxytocin is a neuropeptide, which can promote the feelings of trust, devotion and bonding. In addition, hugging also helps elevate some other chemicals in the human bodies, such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. These chemicals help you feel pleasure, contentment and motivation. Endorphins interact with the opiate receptors in the human brains to decrease pain and enhance the sense of euphoria. Serotonin is thought to be crucial in mood balance while dopamine can control the brain pleasure centers. Even, just hugging your pets can increase those chemicals. [Read: benefits of kissing]
2. Prevent Illness As Well As Disease
Though hugs are well-known simply for how good they feel, among benefits of hugging, prevention of ailment is the most appreciated. According to some studies, affectionate hugging and touching can decrease anxiety and stress, which in itself decrease diseases. Nevertheless, hugging could also contribute to decreased pain, enhanced immune systems in those with cancer, and reduced autoimmune disease symptoms. [Read: how to understand people better]
