5 Reasons Hugging Is Good for Your Mind and Body

When was the last time you hugged someone? Was it today, last week, or a month ago? According to health experts, hugging should be part of your daily routine. Even a 10-second hug can boost your immune system, ward off infections, and keep depression at bay. Hugging for 20 seconds a day improves cardiovascular health and relieves stress.

Need more proof? Check out these five reasons why hugging is good for your mind and body:

1. Improves Immune Function

Research shows that hugging improves immune function by protecting against stress and infection. These two factors weaken your natural defenses and increase disease risk. The study has found that people who received hugs more often were less susceptible to infection and common cold.

These effects could be due to the hormone oxytocin. Every time you receive a hug, oxytocin levels go up and stress levels decrease. The same hormone also improves pain tolerance and fights inflammation.

2. Keeps Your Heart Healthy

A 20-second hug might be exactly what you need to keep your heart healthy and decrease blood pressure. If you’re holding hands with a loved one, the benefits are even greater.

These simple habits have been shown to mitigate the effects of stress and boost cardiovascular health.

3. Relieves Depression

Hugging raises both oxytocin and serotonin levels in the brain. These chemicals play a vital role in mental health and well-being.

Serotonin, the happiness hormone, lifts your mood and relieves depression. Plus, hugging has none of the side effects of antidepressants.

4. Balances the Nervous System

Your skin boasts a network of tiny pressure centers that are sensitive to touch. Whenever you’re hugging someone, these receptors (Pacinian corpuscles) send signals to your brain via the vagus nerve. This helps balance out your nervous system and calms your mind.

5. Reduces Pain

Does your neck or back hurt? Hug a friend! Or perhaps you’re having a headache? Again, hugging is the answer.

This simple act stimulates endorphin release, which helps relieve pain and aches. Endorphins also ward off depression and anxiety, reduce stress levels, and enhance pleasure.

There are many other health benefits linked to hugging. Believe it or not, a hug a day keeps the doctor away. Try it right now-it feels good and costs you nothing!