A hug is like a boomerang, you get it back right away!
You're feeling stressed and overwhelmed with everything happening in your life. Suddenly someone you care about gives you a big old hug and holds you tight for a few minutes. Your entire body relaxes, your mind stops whirling and suddenly you can connect with your heart and with the energy of life and the world doesn't seem so bleak anymore.
Hugging and Healing
Research shows that hugging (and laughter) is very effective at healing sickness, disease, loneliness, depression, anxiety and stress.
Hugging actually increases levels of the hormone 'oxytocin' which in turn has beneficial effects on your heart health and more.
Hugging is also known to lower levels of stress hormones like cortisol. Holding a hug for a time lifts your serotonin levels, which in turn elevate mood and create happiness.
The hormone, oxytocin is released in response to physical touch, and hugs are one of the most succinct ways to encourage your body to release this hormone.
Oxytocin is released from your pituitary gland and decreases the level of stress hormones (primarily cortisol) your body produces; therefore lowering your blood pressure response to anxiety and stress.
Pet Owners, Couples & Children
Research indicates this release of oxytocin, plays a role in why pet owners heal more quickly from illness, couples live longer than singles and also why support groups help people with addictions and even chronic diseases.
Hugging and the importance of touch has a big impact on children too. Consider this: children who aren't hugged have delays in walking, talking and reading.
A quick hug has an almost immediate impact on health, lowering heart rate and inducing a calming effect while also leading to a more happy, positive mood.
Fun Hugging Facts
The nurturing touch of a hug builds trust and a sense of safety.
Hugs can instantly boost 'oxytocin levels which heal feelings of loneliness, isolation and anger.
A longer hug lifts your serotonin levels, making for a better mood and sense of happiness.
Hugs strengthen the immune system. The physical act of a hug stimulates the thymus gland which regulates and balances your body's production of white blood cells; helping to keep you healthier.
Hugging boosts self-esteem. Our family's touch, from the time we are born, shows us we are loved and these feelings remain implanted in our nervous system as we grow into adults. This, in turn, helps our ability to self-love as adults.
Hugging relaxes our muscles and releases tension in our body. Hugging can even ease pain by increasing circulation into our soft tissues.
Hugs balance out our nervous system. The galvanic skin response of a hug shows a change in our skin conductance, suggesting a more balanced state in he nervous system - parasympathetic.
Hugs teach us to let go and be present in the moment. Hugs get you out of your circular thinking patterns and connect you with your heart and your feelings and your breath. They encourage us to flow with the energy of life.
One day someone is going to hug you so tight that all of your broken pieces will stick together. How many hugs have you had today?
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