A Hug And Its Psychological Benefits

When we feel sad, want to celebrate an important occasion or show affection, a hug is usually the best solution.

But were you aware that a gesture as simple as a hug can also have a good effect on our body? It is not only about the physical aspect, but also the emotional and psychological aspect.

Would you like to know a little more? Be sure to read this article.

A hug – we all need it to be happy

Physical contact is a characteristic that occurs much more often than just in a romantic relationship. We can hug our friends, parents, siblings, grandparents and even strangers.

Once you understand the benefits of cuddling, you’ll begin to connect much better with those around us.

This will require changing our habits, because in modern society, being affectionate is sometimes misjudged. However, it is beautiful. Sincere feelings we show for someone close to us is wonderful.

A hug and physical contact between children and their mother are essential for their survival.

In many cases, newborns placed directly into an incubator have improved overall results when someone – even just a doctor or nurse – takes them out of the crystal cradle and warmly hugs them.

When we feel safe and know that we are loved, we feel much less stress, thanks to which our body works for our health.

On the other hand, if a child does not receive the affection he deserves and has no contact with other people, he may not even survive, no matter that he is receiving food and the right medicine.

What are the benefits of cuddling?

Of course, the benefits of cuddling will be different for everyone. However, there are some general feelings that are always the result of a sincere, heartfelt hug.

For example, we have a wonderful feeling of peace and relax. We also feel safe and loved.

Based on what scientists say, it should be mentioned that any physical contact with another human being (caressing, touching a hand or just hugging) releases a hormone called oxytocin, commonly known as the “happiness hormone”.

It all happens automatically: we feel connected with the other person and it makes us feel happy and content.

Our stress levels are also reduced and we feel much calmer when we hug someone deeply. The pain, depression and anxiety we feel are also reduced.

When we are going through bad times and we face difficulties, plunging into the embrace of a loved one seems to be the best consolation. During the embrace the problem does not seem to exist, they decrease, and the symptoms of diseases and ailments seem to stop for a moment.

As explained on the Exploring Your Mind page, the benefits of hugging include:

Increasing the level of trust and confidence

This is because we feel supported and protected. For example, before we go on stage to give an important lecture, perform a performance or pass a stressful exam, hugging someone we love will calm us down and slow our heartbeat. As a result, the nerves will be significantly reduced in size.

It’s really worth a try!

It reduces anger

Hugging helps us reconcile with the other person and rebuild damaged relationships with them when we get angry. Hugging also allows us to feel empathy for another person we do not know well or for whom we are not very fond of.

It improves the mood

When you have a terrible day at work or feel like you are overwhelmed by problems… hug someone! You will feel happy and safe, your self-esteem will increase and you will solve any complications and problems much faster.

If you feel bad about yourself, this wonderful natural remedy is also worth trying.

Other benefits

As if the above-mentioned hugging effects weren’t enough, there are others. Among them, it is worth mentioning:

• Improving some negative behavioral patterns in children;
• Much better sleep quality and deeper rest;
• Increasing focus and level of motivation;
• Calming the brain (ideal to avoid memory or concentration problems);

When it comes to the physical benefits of hugging, as important as the emotional and intellectual benefits, the following include:

• Strengthening the immune system by producing white blood cells;
• Reducing the risk of developing early senile dementia because our nervous system is balanced;

• Reduction in blood pressure. Hugging is much healthier for our blood pressure than a salt-free diet.

Hugging – why can it be difficult?

As they mature, many people develop a kind of “emotional cortex” or shell that prevents them from fully expressing their thoughts and feelings. Even more so, it does not allow you to relax to show your closeness to someone in a physical way.

Hugging and being hugged is a habit that not everyone is instilled in. It may take us a long time to try to nurture it.

When we talk about hugging, we mean a few seconds in the embrace of another person, an activity that increases our temperature, calms us down, slows down our heartbeat and breathing, and makes us feel loved and cared for.

To get started, we can try either gentle touch or subtle physical contact. Then we can gradually increase contact until we can hug someone intensely and fully.

Don’t worry if you feel a little tense at first, even at the very thought of a hug. Try to focus on the benefits that come with it. You will take them back and let the other person take them.

To be more affectionate is something a person learns over time. It requires patience. Don’t be afraid or feel weird, it all comes naturally if we just give it a chance. Hugging therapy is perfect for every possible evil that happens to us.

This is probably enough to try, right?