Stress Buster

Dear Friends

Happy Afternoon

We hug others when we’re excited, happy, sad, or trying to comfort. Hugging, it seems, is universally comforting. It makes us feel good. And it turns out that hugging is proven to make us healthier and happier.

Hugs reduce stress by showing your support. When a friend or family member is dealing with something painful or unpleasant in their lives, give them a hug.

Giving another person support through touch can reduce the stress of the person being comforted. It can even reduce the stress of the person doing the comforting in giving and receiving. 

Hugs may protect you against illness.

The stress-reducing effects of hugging might also work to keep you healthier.

Hugs may boost your heart health.

A loving , kind, affectionate relationship may be good for you heart health.

Hugs can make you happier

Oxytocin is a chemical in our bodies that scientists sometimes call the “cuddle hormone.” This is because its levels rise when we hug, touch, a gentle meaningful hand held squeeze, or sit close to someone else. Oxytocin is associated with happiness and less stress.

Hugs help reduce your fears.

Scientists have found that touch can reduce anxiety in people with low self-esteem. A friendly touch can also keep people from isolating themselves when reminded of their mortality.

Hugs help you communicate with others

Most human communication occurs verbally or through facial expressions. But gentle, consenting touch is another important way that people can send messages to one another.

How many hugs should you have a day for optimal health? According to the best science, we should have as many as possible if we want to reap the greatest positive effects.

Unfortunately, most people today are hugged-deprived. Many people live solitary or busy lives with reduced social interaction and touching.

Our modern social conventions often push people not to touch others who aren’t directly related to them. However, it seems people could benefit a lot from touching others a bit more.

So, if you want to feel better about yourself, reduce your stress, improve communication, and be happier and healthier, it seems that giving and asking for more hugs is a good place to start.

If you feel nervous about seeking out more hugs, start by asking for them from friends and family members closest to you first.

Science proves that regular hugs with those closest to you, even if brief, can have especially positive effects on your brain and body.💗🌸☘️

Kind Regards