Hugs: The 10 Greatest Health Benefits
Often times, we don't realize the great good it can do for our body, but the hug can have great beneficial effects on oxygenating the blood. The power of such a simple but important gesture lies in the contact between two bodies: with just one hug, we strengthen our bodies by stimulating the production of hemoglobin. This transports oxygen to the tissues by renewing their energy which allows the body to regenerate and therefore rejuvenate.
2) Heal
Can we think of a hug as some kind of therapy? It would seem so, apparently. This gesture can indeed be part of a real healing journey . By stimulating the production of beneficial substances in our body, cuddling can have very positive effects, allowing self-healing and self-regeneration of cells and tissues. Morally, moreover, hugging a sick person can give them a little moment of relief.
3) Heart
A simple hug can even help improve heart health, especially in women. A study has indeed shown that after a series of hugs, in female subjects, there is a drop in blood pressure and cortisol , this which improves blood circulation and the functioning of the heart.
4) Well-being
Hugging someone doesn't cost anything, doesn't take a lot of time, but has very positive effects. This gesture is a real reciprocal exchange of warmth and comfort.
5) Self-esteem
According to some scientific studies, receiving and hugging improves self-esteem and intellectual abilities, as well as language skills and IQ in children.
6) Depression
Frequent manifestations of affection like hugging reduce the risk of depression and mental health problems, according to scientific researchers from the Canadian Community Health Survey.
7) Stress
In extreme cases of prolonged stress, a hug can relieve tension. All thanks to oxytocin, a substance known as the good mood hormone.
8) Mother-child relationship
A hug is considered the most natural and spontaneous gesture of affection between mother and child. Nothing is more effective in calming a baby or toddler when he is crying.
9) Memory
The hug also helps improve memory. In this case, too, it is thanks to oxytocin.
10) Anxiety
Finally, hugs help relieve anxiety and distress. The production of happiness hormones is able to generate a feeling of great calm and peace: the stimulation of endorphins production is done through hugs.
