Scientists have long studied whether hugging is a common phenomenon seen in humans and other social animals. It is customary to express love and support in this way. For example, chimpanzees hug troop members after stressful situations to relieve stress, and lions rub their heads on each other’s chins. In this way, they strengthen their social bonds.
Moreover, any physical contact greatly affects both psychological and physical well-being. Hugs also trigger the production of various hormones.
“A child hugs his mother or his toy without hesitation. It is a spontaneous expression of acceptance and love. For an adult, hugging another person means consciously violating one’s own and others’ boundaries. We hug the person we know, trust, and perceive as “ours”. Scientists have proven that hugging has a positive effect on heart health, resistance to stress, helps lower blood pressure and improves sensitivity and understanding towards loved ones,” clinical psychologist Yanina Limont confirmed to socialbites.ca.
No to depression, yes to hugs
Scientists have proven that hugging increases oxytocin levels. But this happens not because of touching, but because of the expectation of something pleasant before hugging.
Oxytocin is called the “love hormone”; It affects the feeling of connection to people and the feeling of calm. In other words, when it is produced, the person’s feeling of anxiety decreases. Scientists from Okayama Prefectural University also found that oxytocin was present. have It has a strong antidepressant effect after being secreted in the central nervous system.
Moreover, when hugging, nerve receptors in the skin are activated, which transmit signals to the brain, resulting in the release of endorphins (natural analgesics and antidepressants). Hugging can also help reduce stress levels. Scientists from the University of Zurich found that hugging before a stressful event help It reduces the level of cortisol production, which is responsible for stress.
We hugged and went to bed
Cuddling also helps you sleep better. Scientists from Karolinska Institute studied Effect of hugging on the release of the neurotransmitter anandamide. Its name is translated from Sanskrit as “happiness”. It attracts attention with its effect on sleep and appetite, and also helps erase sad memories.
The exact mechanism of action of this neurotransmitter has not been studied for a long time. But now known: Anandamide increases levels of adenosine, a fatigue molecule, approximately three hours after production. It accumulates in the brain during wakefulness, and as its concentration increases, it “tells” neurons that it is time to sleep.
It also reduces heart rate, inhibits inflammation, protects cells and increases ischemia resistance.
develop character
Hugging increases self-confidence, especially in children. It is extremely important that the child receives plenty of hugs from the parents; This will help him feel valued and loved. The same goes for adults, of course, but hugging has a great impact on building self-confidence, especially during adolescence.
“Scientific studies have shown a significant increase in trust, empathy and the ability to understand other people’s emotions. The effect also extends to communication with loved ones. It does not apply to people whom the brain labels as “strangers”. We cling to those we see as close, increasing empathy towards them, but this does not increase the person’s overall empathy “It’s not uncommon for us to sincerely hug all the people in a row,” he said.
Fighting dementia
Scientists from the University of Tokyo say that oxytocin restores the functioning of the affected brain cells responsible for memory.
Additionally, oxytocin regulates cognitive behavior and increases concentration. It supports the formation of new neural connections in the brain that affect cognitive processes. Therefore, the risk of developing senile dementia is reduced in people who stimulate oxytocin secretion with frequent hugs.
Lower blood pressure and increase immunity
Researchers from the University of North Carolina say hugs can reduce arterial pressure. This not only supports heart health but also reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension.
In addition, hugging and any other physical contact can help improve blood circulation and dilate capillaries, which can increase the supply of oxygen to the body. Increasing the level of oxygenation in the body also has a beneficial effect on heart function.
“Hugging affects a person’s physiological indicators. They significantly increase the level of oxytocin in the body and lower blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, the effect of lowering blood pressure is more pronounced in women than in men,” noted clinical psychologist Yanina Limont in an interview with socialbites.ca.
Hugs too help fight with viruses. American scientists from Carnegie Mellon University showed that people who frequently hug their family and friends are more reliably protected from diseases.
More than 400 people participated in the experiment. Volunteers were asked to fill out questionnaires and then called every day for two weeks to record the frequency of conflict and hugging. All participants were then deliberately infected with the common cold virus and observed in quarantine.
The results showed that perceived social support reduced the increased risk of infection due to conflict-related stress. Hugging provided one-third of the protective effect of social support. Among sick participants who were supported and embraced more frequently, symptoms of the disease appeared to be less severe, regardless of whether there was conflict between them.
In addition, tactile contact, which is one of the ways of showing care, may I help you Accelerate recovery after operations and injuries. All this is achieved by the production of the above hormones.
Okay, so how often should you hug?
There are no specific studies that will determine the exact number of hugs a person needs per day. However, the opinion of American psychologist Virginia Satir spokeA person needs four hugs a day to survive. Eight hugs will help achieve mental stability, and 12 hugs a day will lead to personal growth.
Other experts agree with Satir and recommend hugging at least four times a day, not with people, but with teddy bears, for example.
scientists, people print The toy reduces anxiety. Additionally, touching teddy bears increases your self-confidence and even saves you from the fear of death.