Hugs are free. They can come in unlimited supplies. They are readily available and accessible. So far they aren’t taxed. And if the Federal Reserve starts handing them out in droves, it won’t even dilute the ones you already have. :-)
When we give or receive a hug, our bodies release a naturally occurring hormone called oxytocin. The effect is what makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside and promotes our ability to emotionally bond. Psychologists think this contributes to the physical aspect of how we establish and maintain trust and develop ties of commitment.
Not only does the act of hugging increase the good aspects of how we feel, but it helps eliminate the bad by drastically reducing our levels of cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. Hugging stimulates dopamine, the pleasure hormone, and serotonin, for elevated mood, leading to happier places.
But wait, there’s more. Hugs make the part of the brain known as the orbital frontal cortex light up the same way as when we eat chocolate, only less fattening.
Hugging doesn’t just make us feel better, it actually improves our health. Studies have shown hugs lower heart rate and blood pressure. It improves our memory. More hugs mean more oxytocin which equates to less fatigue, fewer infections and a boosted immune system.
Finding a reason or excuse to hug is easy. Many occasions such as hellos, goodbyes or congratulations are wonderful ways to share a hug. Holidays, special occasions and events present many opportunities for hugging. It is a wonderful way to express appreciation.
But you need to be aware there are side effects. Hugging can cause habitual smiling and sometimes lead to laughter. Hugs can sometimes result in hand holding and promote feelings of devotion and connectedness. Hugs should not be attempted while on tall ladders, when driving or traversing tightropes. The person beside you should be consulted in the case of occasional group hugs. Hugging is not for the deliberately grumpy or intentional misanthropic.
A genuine hug is a beautiful thing.
An epic video about hugs:
Touch, a key component of traditional healing, is being increasingly studied in mainstream medicine, with some trials showing symptom benefits in a number of areas, from asthma and high blood pressure to migraine and childhood diabetes. Other research findings hint that not only does touch lower stress levels, but that it can boost the immune system and halt or slow the progress of disease. http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/how-the-power-of-touch-reduces-pain-and-even-fights-disease-419462.html
The surging of oxytocin makes you feel more trusting and connected. And the cascade of electrical impulses slows your heart and lowers your blood pressure, making you feel less stressed and more soothed. Remarkably, this complex surge of events in the brain and body are all initiated by a simple, supportive touch. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128795325
Happiness Weekly compiled even more fun facts about hugging that highlight just how incredible this act of touch really is. For instance, a full-body hug stimulates your nervous system while decreasing feelings of loneliness, combating fear, increasing self-esteem, defusing tension, and showing appreciation. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/02/06/hugging.aspx
The Science of Hugs: The Most Undervalued Gift You Can Give http://kulraj.org/2014/09/09/science-of-hugs/
How hugging can lower your blood pressure and boost your memory http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2266373/Hugging-lower-blood-pressure-boost-memory.html
10 Reasons Why We Need at Least 8 Hugs a Day http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5756/10-Reasons-Why-We-Need-at-Least-8-Hugs-a-Day.html
Benefits of Hugs, for Mind and Body http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/unified-theory-happiness/201406/4-benefits-hugs-mind-and-body
10 Reasons Why Oxytocin Is The Most Amazing Molecule In The World http://io9.com/5925206/10-reasons-why-oxytocin-is-the-most-amazing-molecule-in-the-world
The Healing Power of Touch http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/wellness_articles.asp?id=1818
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