Have you been hugged today?
Hugging can be good for your cardiovascular health.
Another group of people just rested quietly before being sent into the public speaking task.
Hugging promotes bonding in all our relationships.
According to integrative neurologist Ilene Ruhoy, M.D., Ph.D., hugging promotes closeness between people.
Hugging can improve romantic relationships, specifically.
Oxytocin, the main hormone released during orgasm, is also released from hugging.
Thatoxytocin from warm contact makes people feel more supported6by their partner as well.
Hugs can lower stress.
You may literally be feeling your heartbeat slow down and your brain calming down.
Some research has even foundinterpersonal touch can lower our cortisol secretion7in response to stressful situations.
They can also generally improve psychological well-being.
Many studies suggest hugging can help minimize negative emotions and supports a more positive state of being.
Touch (including hugs) can communicate emotions.
Never underestimate the power of nonverbal communication.
That’s pretty amazing!
Hugging can defuse fights between a couple.
A2018 study11found hugging can actually help verify fights don’t ruin our day.
Some research5even suggests people who hug more often tend to be better atresolvingconflicts.
More frequent hugs can boost your immune system.
They may even dull pain for people with chronic conditions.
Of course, therapeutic touch is generally more than just a hug.
It generally involves a practitioner passing their hands over a patient’s body or some form of massage.
“It’s appropriate for us to seek permission to supportively touch a client,” Kaufman notes.
“Especially given that even the offer to hug someone raises that client’s oxytocin level.")
They can actually keep you looking and feeling young.
“Hugging can have anti-aging advantages because of the effect on the well-being hormones,” she explains.
And in case you were wondering…there are a lot ofbenefits of kissing, too.
