Hugging a Loved One Has a Number of Health Benefits
But, with
all these benefits (and more), should we be selective about who we hug?
According to research conducted at the University of Vienna, giving a polite
embrace to someone we may not know well can have the opposite effect. In fact,
when we receive unwanted hugs - be it from strangers, or people we know, the
hormone oxytocin is not released - rather, anxiety levels rise and the stress
hormone, cortisol is released.
So prior to hugging someone, just ensure that it will be reciprocated. Other
than that, here are 10 reasons why we should hug our loved ones more often.
1. Hugs combat the common cold and flu
A hug a day can keep stress-related infections and the common cold at bay. This
notion has been confirmed by studies conducted by Carneige Mellon University. It
was found that hugging was effective in protecting people from stress-induced
vulnerability to infection, such as a viral infection.
2. Hugging boosts your immune system
Aside from uplifting your spirits and making you feel good, the oxytocin hormone
released while hugging also increases the presence of other hormones that fight
infection. The combined effect of feeling good and healthy, in turn, helps boost
your immune system.
3. Hugs help alleviate pain
While hugs have the ability to boost your immune system, the oxytocin hormone
that is released also decreases pain levels. Usually, when we feel pain, our
natural response is to rub and massage the affected area. In fact, it has been
found that such a simple touch releases enough oxytocin to make us feel better.

4. Hugs lower blood pressure levels
Once again, the hormone oxytocin plays an important role here, as it reduces
cortisol in the body, thereby lowering blood pressure levels. Furthermore, when
you hug another person, a type of pressure receptor on the skin, known as a
Pacinian Corpuscle, is activated and sends signals to the brain that lowers
blood pressure.
5. Hugging relaxes tension in the muscles
Hugs release tension in the body by combating pain and improving blood
circulation. they also promote blood flow in soft tissues, thereby relaxing
tense muscles.
6. Hugging promotes brain health and memory
The oxytocin hormone is truly beneficial for our bodies. When this hormone is
released through hugging, it boosts our memory power. It also stimulates the
parasympathetic nervous system, helping to strike a balance between activeness
and calmness.
7. Hugging burns calories
Though it may be hard to believe, hugging burns around 12 calories - it may not
be much, but it's a fact worth noting.
8. Hugging lowers your risk of heart disease
As you may have suspected - all thanks to the oxytocin hormone! As this hormone
plays such a vital role in keeping your stress levels, anxiety and blood
pressure low, it also contributes to a lower risk of heart disease.
9. Hugging reduces worries of mortality
According to a study published in the journal of Psychological Science, hugging
has the ability to keep fears of mortality at bay. The study also looked into
hugging an inanimate object a teddy bear - which they found, was enough to
soothe an individual's existential fears. It was also discovered that simply
imagining hugging a person you love can release serotonin, dopamine and
endorphine levels in the brain, triggering feelings of happiness and joy.
Consequently, this will negate any worries related to mortality, as these
hormones contribute to lower levels of stress.
10. Hugging elevates your mood
When your serotonin levels are low, you are more ly to experience feelings
related to depression and loneliness. But hugging can increase the production of
serotonin in the brain, helping to boost your mood as well as your self-esteem.
So, if you are feeling blue - give someone you love a big hug!
How To Give A Good Hug
Proper technique for squishing bodies together.
Click here to watch this video

http://www.nidokidos.org/threads/246927
| Reply via web post | • | Reply to sender | • | Reply to group | • | Start a New Topic | • | Messages in this topic (1) |