Unwritten Advantages of Embracing: Alleviation of Pain, Sense of Safety, and More Unanticipated Benefits Unveiled
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In recent studies, the humble hug has been found to offer a host of health benefits, primarily due to its effects on hormones and the nervous system.
Hugging can help reduce stress and anxiety by lowering cortisol levels, the stress hormone, and calming the nervous system. This relaxation can extend to improvements in cardiovascular health, as hugging has been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate, offering protection for the heart.
One of the key hormones released during a hug is oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone." This chemical promotes trust, emotional bonding, and feelings of safety and connection. Hugging can also enhance immune function through stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, strengthening the body's defenses against illness.
In addition to these physical benefits, hugging can relieve pain and discomfort by activating pressure receptors in the skin. It can also improve mood and emotional well-being by increasing serotonin and dopamine, chemicals that create feelings of warmth and calm. Hugging is known to support sleep quality and emotional resilience as well.
Interestingly, hugs lasting approximately 20 seconds maximize oxytocin release, leading to stronger stress relief and deeper emotional connection. Consistent hugging can help combat loneliness, depression, and fatigue, providing important emotional nourishment and strengthening relationships.
Self-hugging can also bring benefits, such as relaxation and emotional support. Hugging oneself can trigger a flood of oxytocin, similar to hugging another person.
Petting a dog for 15 minutes may help with Alzheimer's and heart disease, as suggested by some evidence. Stroking or cuddling pets can boost moods due to the release of oxytocin, providing similar benefits to hugging.
Hugging can lead to a release of hormones that send a signal to the vagus nerve, which is responsible for lowering blood pressure. Oxytocin released during hugging can reduce calorific consumption, potentially aiding in sticking to nutrition goals.
Being hugged can tap into muscle memory from times when a person was comforted as a child. Approximately two-thirds of Brits consider themselves as 'huggers,' but others may find hugging an invasion of personal space.
In summary, hugging is a simple, natural way to support physical health, emotional balance, and social bonding, according to recent research. After the pandemic, over a third of Brits expressed that they would never take hugging for granted again.
- The benefits of hugging extend to mental health, as it increases serotonin and dopamine, chemicals that create feelings of warmth and calm.
- Fitness and exercise aren't the only ways to enhance wellness; hugging can also stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, strengthening the body's defenses against illness.
- In the workplace, wellness initiatives can include promoting hugging, as it can relieve stress and boost mood, possibly improving productivity.
- Skin-care isn't just about external applications; a hug can activate pressure receptors in the skin, helping to relieve pain and discomfort.
- In the realm of health and wellness, we often overlook the importance of human touch like hugging, which can lower cortisol levels, reducing stress and anxiety.
- Mental health is not separate from physical health; hugging can help reduce stress, promote emotional connection, and combat loneliness, depression, and fatigue.
