Did you ever feel like you needed a hug ? You are not the only one. And it turns out that there is a good explanation for that feeling. Every time someone hugs you, you actually reap some unexpected health benefits! Not only your soul asks for it, but your body. Do you want to know why your body needs hugs and if they are better daily?
Health benefits of giving a hug every day
Scientists say that hugging increases the body’s production of oxytocin. Oxytocin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in the emotional center of the brain. It’s all about feelings of happiness, along with reducing stress and anxiety. When you’re feeling bad, a hug can really make you feel better! According to a recent study, it can also prevent you from getting sick!
A study by Carnegie Mellon University suggests that hugging and social support can make you less likely to get sick from stress. The study was conducted in 404 healthy adults. The perceived social support of each participant was evaluated using a questionnaire. The frequency of interpersonal conflicts and hugs were evaluated by means of a telephone interview. The study continued for 14 consecutive nights. After 14 days, the participants were intentionally exposed to a common cold virus. The researchers monitored the quarantined participants to track their symptoms.
The researchers found that perceived social support reduced the risk of infection associated with experiencing conflict. The best part? Hugs were responsible for a third of the protective effect of social support. More frequent hugs and greater social support resulted in less severe illness symptoms, regardless of conflict.
Sheldon Cohen, professor of psychology at Carnegie Mellon University led the study. He explained: “This suggests that being hugged by a trusted person can act as an effective means of conveying support and that increasing the frequency of hugging could be an effective means of reducing the harmful effects of stress. The apparent protective effect of hugging may be attributable to physical contact itself or to the fact that it is a behavioral indicator of support and intimacy ”.
He added: “Either way, those who get hugs are better protected from infection.” So there you have it. Every hug you receive plays an important role in reducing your stress levels and keeping you healthy!