The Shocking Truth About Hugs

Source: Photo by __ drz __ on Unsplash

You probably use hugs to express your love for your family and friends. Maybe you also use them as a way of saying hello and goodbye when you meet good friends. Perhaps you haven't thought further than that about hugs. I mean, what is there to think about? Well, there's a whole science behind them.

Here is the shocking truth about hugs: they can boost your happiness, reduce stress, improve your health, and give you a stronger sense of belonging. Yes, all this from one simple hug. How? Let me explain.

A good hug is the fastest way for you to get oxytocin flowing in your body. Even hugging yourself will do the trick! Oxytocin, also known as the “love drug,” calms your nervous system down and boosts your positivity. Here is how a good hug resulting in oxytocin flow affects you:

• It lowers your blood pressure, making you feel less anxious and more relaxed.
• It reduces the production of cortisol, the stress hormone, enabling you to stay more focused and get better quality sleep.
• It naturally boosts your positive emotions and increases the release of other feel-good hormones, like serotonin, making you feel more upbeat and empowered.

All of this naturally puts you and your body in a happier and healthier state to perform. And this is before we even dive into studies that tie hugging to pain reduction, better relationships, and a stronger sense of belonging. It’s all good news when it comes to hugging.

If you want to supercharge your hugs and the benefits you and the recipient get, practice giving your best possible hug. Here is how:

1. Be present.
   Don’t think about anything else except hugging that person when you hug them.
2. Hold them tight.
   Give them a little squeeze to show that you care, that you mean it, and that you’re there for them.
3. Hug for at least 20 seconds.
   That may sound long, but it’s well worth it. Studies have shown that the longer you hug, the better. If 20 seconds sounds too long to start off with, start with five. This is the minimum time a hug should last to get that oxytocin going.

Now go and hug someone!

“I have learned that there is more power in a good strong hug than in a thousand meaningful words.” – Ann Hood