Hugging has been a symbol of intimacy and emotional bonding for at least 6,000 years, according to HealthCentral, with early humans using embraces to preserve body heat.
Aside from being a warm and polite way to greet a friend or say goodbye to loved ones, hugs are far more than a simple social gesture, according to research. The typical three-second form of affection has been shown to support mental health and boost cardiovascular and immune function, acting as a natural regulator of stress and hormones.
Hugging More Often Strengthens Our Cardiovascular Health
Scientific research and studies indicate that consistent hugs can improve our cardiovascular health by reducing stress, which can be a risk factor for heart attacks, heart disease and high blood pressure.
According to Yale Medicine, long-term and chronic stress can lead to elevated inflammation in the body, thereby increasing the rate of plaque buildup in one’s arteries. This in turn can create a higher risk of coronary artery disease, which can cause heart attacks, heart failure or abnormal heart rhythm.
Hugs can reduce the risk of these heart health complications due to their stress-releasing power, helping to lower levels of cortisol, our body’s stress hormone.
To assess the relationship between heart health and hugs, one study published in Behavioral Medicine examined the effects of hugs on two groups of romantic partners. The first group of romantic partners held hands for 10 minutes and hugged for 20 seconds, and the second group sat in complete silence during this time.
The first group demonstrated a larger decrease in blood pressure levels and heart rate than the second group, according to the study.
Five Hugs a Day Can Improve Behavioral Functions and Decrease Anxiety
TJ Power, a neuroscientist and Sunday Times bestselling author, stated that in order to function properly, feel more connected and boost our emotional connections, we should receive at least five hugs a day, either from humans or pets.
According to Power, our brains crave oxytocin, meaning love and connection.
“When our oxytocin levels are higher, we feel calmer, less anxious, more at peace and more content with our lives,” he wrote on Instagram.
Hugging is scientifically proven to release oxytocin, the key hormone that is involved with the female and male reproductive systems, aiding in labor and delivery as well as behavioral functions like forming romantic attachment, trust recognition and sexual arousal, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The increased oxytocin from hugging can also improve bonding between partners and reduce anxiety levels, specifically by affecting social behaviors such as relaxation and trust, as stated in an article from Harvard Health.
Hugs Can Boost Our Immune System Functions
A weakened immune system is a major contributor to inflammation in our bodies, making it more challenging to fight off infections and leading to increased fatigue.
Long-term stress levels can overwork our immune system. When the body releases too much cortisol, its immune cells do not function as properly, according to Adventist HealthCare, which can lead to chronic inflammation. This chronic inflammation can be seen as brain fog, fatigue, weight gain, mood swings and anxiety, as stated in Health Central.
Given that hugs are proven to decrease cortisol levels, they can be used as a tool to prevent inflammation, improve sleep and fight off pesky colds.
In one study conducted by the Department of Psychology at Brigham Young University, 112 students reported their hugging habits and provided saliva samples after waking to assess stress hormones. According to an article in Psychology Today, the students who reported receiving more hugs had lower stress hormones upon waking, suggesting that hugging might serve as a “biological safety signal.”
The next time you’re facing a hectic week full of deadlines or stress, consider offering your friends, family or partner a hug when you get home from work or before bed. And for those who live alone or prefer limited physical contact, try cuddling with a pet or a stuffed animal at bedtime. This simple, quick and comforting action has the power to boost your mood, relationships, brain power and sleep.
