Love is one of the basic needs of every human being. Without it our health suffers both physically and psychologically. After a marriage break up this becomes harder to fulfil for both adults and children. Over time children seem to recover and fill this need, but adults who end up living on their own with little contact with their children or grandchildren suffer quite a bit. This is even more so the case for men as male friends don’t usually hug because of the stigma it causes, which is not the case with women.
So what is so important about hugs? Firstly, they are very easy to give and don’t cost any money. Secondly, it is usually socially acceptable for friends either two women or a man and a woman to hug each other whether in public or private. However, there is much more to a simple hug than many people think. Research over the years has shown that hugging is very helpful in reducing stress, anxiety, loneliness, depression and all kinds of sicknesses. Here are some reasons why:
- An extended hug increases serotonin levels which elevates feelings of well-being and happiness.
- The pressure on your skin when someone hugs you sends messages to the area of the brain that is responsible lowering blood pressure. Not only this but your pulse or heart rate reduces which helps to reduce cardiovascular issues.
- Hugging enhances our relationships by building trust, a sense of security and safety, and from an early age imbeds in our nervous system an association of self-esteem, self-worth, and self-love.
- The so called “cuddle hormone”, oxytocin, is released when we hug which relieves the feelings of anger, loneliness and isolation, leaving us feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
- The immune system is also given a boost by hugging as the thymus gland is stimulated which balances and regulates the while blood cells. This keeps you healthier, more disease free, and helps you fight off infections better than those people who don’t or can’t get hugs.
- Hugging reduces daily stress and helps muscles to relax by reducing the amount of cortisol, the stress hormone. Not only does this physically relax your muscles and releases tension, but it sends calming messages to the brain giving a sense of peace. As a side effect pain can also be reduced.
- Energy is exchanged between people who are hugging which in turn fosters understanding and empathy.
Although all hugs give you a certain amount of these wonderful health benefits, it is recommended that you get a hug to last for at least 30 seconds to maximise these to the full. So the next time you meet a friend who you know is single give them a hug. You may never know just how much they need it or how much they appreciate it. It might even save their life.
Until next time – remember, safety first!