January 21st -National Hugging Day, United States
Hugs stimulate the immune system, relieve pain, protect the heart, reduce social anxiety
People in today’s fast-paced world do not always find time to get rid of stress. Many even sacrifice their moments of intimacy in the name of more working hours. However, experts remind that closeness is one of the key elements to human happiness.
On the occasion of Hug Day, first celebrated in the United States in 1986 at the initiative of Kevin Zaborny and grown into an international holiday, experts quoted by LifeHack remind that cuddling is one of the easiest ways to get closer.
Experts note that hugs are not “reserved” only for women – men are no less longing for such intimacy.
On the occasion of the holiday, experts recall the benefits for the soul and body from a heart hug:
Oxytocin is a hormone that makes people feel better and helps them become closer to others. Its role in the act of cuddling is key and is associated with a number of benefits for both physical and mental health.
A hug stimulates the immune system. The release of oxytocin is also associated with an increase in hormones that help fight infections.
• Hugging relieves pain
Just as they stimulate the immune system, cuddling and releasing oxytocin lowers pain levels. If even a light touch is enough to release enough of the hormone and make a person feel better, imagine the effect of a real hug.
• Reduces the risk of heart disease
By increasing oxytocin levels, cuddling also helps reduce blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• A hug reduces social anxiety
Oxytocin promotes positive thinking. Thanks to the hormone, people have a more optimistic outlook. A hug at a party, for example, where we know almost no one, can make us feel happier, more social and able to enchant those present.
• Hugging strengthens the bond
Communication is important for relationships, but people often forget how effective and meaningful touch can be.
When your career is so stressful that even at home you don’t stop thinking about work, it adversely affects your partner. Instead, imagine going home and cuddling with your partner every day for ten minutes. This brief relief from daily stress will not only provide you with the above benefits, but will also help strengthen your relationship with your partner.
• Helps build the bond between mother and baby
The hormone oxytocin has been linked to childbirth and breastfeeding. Separating it is beneficial not only for strengthening the relationship between couples, but also for building the bond between mother and baby. Oxytocin helps a woman to relax and breastfeed more easily.
• Improves sleep
Whether you sleep huddled with your partner all night or dedicate yourself to this act close to ten minutes before bedtime, you will release a bonding and stress-relieving oxytocin. Experts remind that when a person is calm, sleep comes faster and is better.
• Hugging is for everyone
A hug doesn’t have to be just between romantic partners. To feel good, people can rub their shoulders, hug a friend or pet a pet.
They revealed how long the perfect hug lasts
Scientists have determined the ideal duration of the hug – British scientists from London’s Goldsmiths University have clarified how long the hug should last to cause a pleasant feeling, according to the website of the school.
The study involved 48 volunteers and another person they had to hug.
The hugs lasted from 1.5 to 10 seconds.
Participants also had to use a different way of hugging – crosswise (when their arms are symmetrical) or neck-waist type.
The subjects tested were also blindfolded to exclude visual perception.
After the hugs, they filled out a questionnaire and described their feelings during the experiment.
• It turned out that the most pleasant and warm feeling is caused by hugs lasting five to ten seconds.
• A hug lasting one second is described as less pleasant.
The way he hugged did not affect the feeling.
Scientists plan to continue studying touch perceptions and find out which hugs are considered too long and which are the most pleasant.
