How do you feel after being hugged by someone close to you or someone you care about? Cuddling with a loved one can put you in a better mood. Apart from making you feel calmer and stronger, hugging can have various benefits for your physical and mental health.

Benefits of Hugging for Physical and Mental Health

Hugging is one way to show affection physically. We hug others when we are happy or sad, meet someone we are waiting for, or are trying to comfort them. Hugging is a universally soothing language of affection and can make you feel better. Interestingly, hugging not only makes you happier but also physically and mentally healthier.

Some of the benefits of hugging include:

Reduce stress

If your friends or family are sad, stressed, or in a bad mood, try to hug them. In addition to reducing stress, the interpersonal touch of hugging is associated with a greater sense of receiving support, as well as higher closeness and satisfaction in relationships.

Hugging can reduce the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body. Not only that, a hug from a loved one can also encourage the release of oxytocin, or the "love hormone." Not only can it help relieve stress, but you can also feel more bonded and connected to each other.

Helps promote quality sleep

While the oxytocin hormone released during a hug does not directly affect one's sleep, it does have an anxiety-relieving effect. In addition, physical touch, such as a hug before bed, can also make you feel comfortable and loved, which in turn can lead to better sleep.

Hugging also gives you and your partner a sense of calmness in your relationship, which can reduce anxiety. In the end, your sleep will also be better, and you will wake up in a good mood.

Read more: Benefits Of Ficine Touch (Skinship) With Couples

Boost body resistance

As reported by Verywell Mind, hugging might just boost your immune system. A study revealed that people who receive more hugs generally get sick less often, such as from flu and colds. If sick, their condition tends to be less severe and easier to recover. Based on the results of the study, experts revealed the potential benefits of hugs as support is received in the healing process of those who are sick.

Maintaining cardiovascular health

Hugging is also great for keeping your heart and blood vessels healthy. A study revealed that one hug every 20 seconds can lower blood pressure at a time. In that study, people who had physical contact by hugging also had better blood pressure than people who did not get warmth from physical touch. Experts suspect that hugs and physical touch can improve a person's stress tolerance so that, generally, in the long run, their heart health will be better.

Also read: Why Is Depression Getting Worse At Night?

Improve physical performance

A study conducted by the NBA showed that teams that have high levels of physical touch, including hugs, perform better when compared to teams that have less physical touch. In a team, touch and hugs signify that players can trust each other.

Increases self-compassion

A hug from your nearest and dearest can make you feel happy, content, and proud of yourself.

Hugging has both physical and mental health benefits. Experts recommend hugging others or even yourself for 3-5 seconds to provide a sense of comfort and warmth. If you have questions about mental health, you should consult a doctor or utilize the consultation feature on the Ai Care application.

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