“Hugs are the Universal medicine.” -Author unknown
The power in a hug and the health benefits it provides are extraordinary. There is nothing like the warmth and sincere sign of affection, love, appreciation, acknowledgement and gratitude that comes from just one hug.
A hug is so powerful that it can improve our health both emotionally and physically.
Numerous studies have been shown to prove the benefits of hugging. On an emotional level, the contact from a warm hug can increase the hormone Oxytocin, which then triggers our Dopamine reward system or our pleasure chemical in the brain.
Many people use drugs for this same effect, so why not try a hug instead. It has no adverse side effects, can be given and received at anytime, does not interfere with our work and the best part is that it’s absolutely free.
In the winter, due to the lack of sun light, people often feel a sense of sadness or mild depression. This is often referred to as SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder. This is brought on by a drop in Serotonin levels in the brain. There are many natural ways to increase Serotonin, one of which includes hugging. By hugging you increase serotonin production and as a result your mood will improve as well.
On a physical level the side effects of improving our mood and increasing our Oxytocin levels include the following benefits:
- a decrease in the stress hormone cortisol
- a reduction in blood pressure
- weight loss
- increased energy levels
Hugs anyone?
Now the key to all of this positive impact on our health and happiness is to actually hug, not just to think about it but to do it. All improvements in health come from action, and this is no exception.
There are many thoughts on how many hugs a day it takes to reap the health rewards, and that number is anywhere from 5 to 12. In this case more is always better. At a minimum get in those 5 and make it happen.
Feeling skeptical? Do your own evidenced-based proof and get hugging. You have nothing to lose and your health to gain.
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