Wellness Wednesday: 5 Healthy Benefits of Hugging

Oct 2, 2013
Jessica Wilson • Lifestyle

They say a hug or two a day may be more effective than an apple for keeping the doctor away. It turns out, hugging is more than just a “hello” and “goodbye” ritual, it can actually improve your overall health! Read on for 5 healthy benefits you can receive simply from hugging the loved ones in your life each day.

1. Reduce Stress

Rough day at the office? We say, hug it out! Positive physical touch slows breathing and your heart rate for an instant anti-stress effect. Hugs increase the level of the hormone oxytocin, which makes you feel more calm and less anxious. Also, as oxytocin increases, stress chemicals in the body, including cortisol, drop.

2. Boost Your Immune System

Help fight off colds or the flu by boosting your immune system with hugs. High levels of cortisol suppress the immune response, so by adding regular hugs to your daily routine, you can increase the relaxation response and help restore your immune system.

3. Ease Depression

When a person is hugged, their comfort level increases and feelings of security are created, which can provide relief for those suffering from depression. Touch affects the cerebellar brain system where positive emotions come from and releases the “feel good” hormones serotonin and dopamine to instantly elevate your mood.

4. Lower Risk of Heart Disease

A hug from a loved one also has beneficial effects on heart health. Numerous studies have shown that hugging lowers blood pressure, one of the main risk factors for heart disease. Get your daily dose of touch and mix with a heart healthy diet for a strong ticker.

5. Increase Longevity

It’s imperative for infants to receive touch or they fail to thrive, so it’s no surprise that adults can benefit from it as well. As stress and anxiety are major contributing factors in the onslaught of numerous diseases, hugging proves to increase longevity.