Usually they are standing side by side, one using the left arm and the other using the right.
Similar to words of encouragement, a side hug is almost like saying “You’ve got this!”
without being fully heart to heart, explains relationship and intimacy coachMarla Mattenson.
A friend hug is a traditional, two-armed hug where both people’s chests are touching.
Depending on how this hug is executed, it could indicate a romantic relationship or a parent-child relationship.
It can also be a great hug for parents to give to children.
In this position, they can lean back and look at each other in the eyes.
Bear hugs are most commonly done standing up.
It’s like a normal hug but much closer, tighter, and usually more prolonged.
“This bang out of hug is so satiating on a physical, human level,” Mattenson says.
Close friends, romantic partners, and family members can all appropriately engage in a bear hug.
In a one-sided hug, both people are facing each other.
One is usually receiving the hug while the other is giving it.
The receiver is typically limp with their arms by their side.
The giver (or supporter) is squeezing the other one tightly.
Overall, the one-sided hug is permission to just receive.
This can be done in a standing or seated position.
When sitting, your arms and legs can be intertwined.
Mattenson recommends holding it for three minutes or longer.
“When you go in from the left side, it’s intimate.”
This is a great hug for couples who want to become intimate together.
The health benefits of hugging
There are both physical and mentalbenefits of hugging.
That release of oxytocin, along with serotonin, helpslower stress by de-escalating cortisol1in the body.
In this sense, hugging is an accessible and effective stress management tool.
Physically, studies have linkedhugging to a decrease in physical painand animprovement in cardiovascular health2.
“It’s so easy, and it doesn’t cost any money.”
