It comes so naturally to us all to want to hug and hold those that we love. We hug our partners, our children, our closest friends. Hugging someone we love is an affectionate, warm, protective and supportive thing to do. And if that wasn't a good enough reason to have a cuddle, it now appears that scientists have discovered several health benefits that occur as a result.
Reduces symptoms of depression
According to research, four hugs a day with someone we care about can help prevent depression. Getting a hug translates emotionally into feeling loved and accepted while giving a hug is a healthy expression of one’s feelings.
Hugging after a fight or disagreement helps negativity dissolve faster, thus reducing the levels of stress and anxiety that would otherwise linger on. Twelve hugs a day is even better, particularly in children where such an act contributes significantly to their psychological development.
Sleep
Stress and anxiety are often accompanied by irregular sleeping patterns and even insomnia. Hugging someone you love or sleeping in their hug can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy a deeper sleep.
Happiness
The feeling that we get when we hug with our loved ones is the result of a hormone called oxytocin. When we get closer with someone we love, oxytocin is produced and it makes us feel content and relaxed.
Healthy relationships
When we hug our love partner, our body releases serotonin and dopamine. These two hormones are the ones responsible for this “over the moon” feeling we get when we are in love. Hugging with your partner often can prolong the honeymoon phase, making you get along easier and leading to a balanced relationship with more understanding.
Happy babies
According to a study published by the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, babies that are hugged, touched and kissed often since the moment of their birth grow up to be calm and happy toddlers with much lower stress compared with babies who have not been hugged frequently.
Pain relief
A small scale University of California study proved that holding the hand of a loved one can help women tolerate pain more than when holding the hand of a stranger or an inanimate object.
Regulated blood pressure
A hug from anyone can usually warm our hearts. But for people with heart conditions and high blood pressure, hugging can even be a life-saver. It has been shown that hugging and holding hands can help lower blood pressure, which is a significant help to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Healing
Haemoglobin, the protein of the blood that carries oxygen to our tissues is increased when we hug. This means that more oxygen is transported to our tissues, leading to a faster healing process and a better oxygenation of our organs, including the brain and heart.
So there you have it, there is no need to hold back on all those hugs, go on and hug your family, your friends and your partners. Show them that you love them and care for them. The health benefits you'll each enjoy are just a welcome bonus
Back to Wellness Chiropractic Ltd
Eastbourne
www.backtowellness.co.uk
