Science Backed Psychological Benefits of Hugging Loved Ones
We all know that hugging our loved ones can make us feel good, but did you know that hugging can actually do wonders for our mental health? Research has shown that hugging loved ones releases oxytocin, the “happy hormone”, which has been linked to decrease stress and increase feelings of safety and connectedness. In this blog post, we will explore the science behind why hugging loved ones can be so beneficial to our mental health and emotional wellbeing.
The power of human touch cannot be underestimated when it comes to our overall well-being. Numerous studies have shown that safe and consensual skin-to-skin contact has profound effects on our physical, emotional, and mental health. The University of Miami conducted over 100 studies that supported this claim. One recent study from researchers in Germany found that women who hugged their partners experienced an immediate drop in their stress levels. This further emphasizes the importance of touch in reducing stress and anxiety.
Furthermore, the effects of touch can positively impact many aspects of the human experience throughout all stages of life. Research has shown that touch can reduce migraine headaches by up to 58%, enhance immune function, and improve cognitive function!
Next time you have the opportunity to hug a loved one, embrace it fully, knowing that you are not only showing affection but also benefiting your mental health.
The emotional bond between a mother and their baby is critical in determining how the infant will grow and develop. This bond is measured against indicators of the infant's social-affective development, and it can predict milestones in the child's early life. The bond between the birth parent and the baby can also have an impact on the child's cognitive, language, and motor development.
This bond is formed through the power of human touch. Physical contact is essential for human beings to form meaningful relationships.
Hugging loved ones not only feels good but also has significant psychological benefits. When we give another person support through touch, it can reduce the stress of the person being comforted as well as the person who is comforting. As Virginia Satir, a renowned family therapist, said, "We need four hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth." Moreover, studies have shown that hugging may reduce the chances of getting sick. In a study involving over 400 adults, researchers found that those who received more frequent hugs had a lower risk of developing infections. This shows how important the immune-boosting properties of human touch are.
Oxytocin is shown in some research to lower stress and anxiety, leading to a sense of calm and happiness. It strengthens the bond between individuals and promotes feelings of trust and closeness. Research suggests that physical contact can boost self-worth and alleviate feelings of isolation or loneliness. Moreover, hugging can serve as a reminder of our interconnectedness and mortality, preventing individuals from isolating themselves.
Oxytocin plays a crucial role in human behaviour and emotional bonding. It is released in response to positive social interactions, such as hugging loved ones. When you embrace someone, the pressure and warmth from the physical touch trigger the release of oxytocin in your brain. When oxytocin is released, it counteracts the effects of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. Oxytocin helps regulate the body's stress response, leading to a sense of relaxation.
Oxytocin promotes social connection and enhances empathy. It improves our ability to understand and relate to others. By hugging loved ones, we increase oxytocin levels, which strengthen our relationships and improve our overall well-being.
Furthermore, oxytocin helps to regulate the autonomic nervous system, which controls our body's response to stress. By reducing stress, oxytocin promotes better mental health and emotional stability. This is the key to unlocking happiness!
