With regards to hugging, there are generally around 3 types of people out there who exist in this world. First, there are those who hate hugging because they are very particular about having their physical space violated. Then there are those who are occasional huggers; the ones who are selective with when they hug people and who it is they might be hugging. And then, of course, there are those who just can’t stop hugging non-stop.
Which category do you think you fall under? Well, after reading this article, you might be convinced to actually do a lot more hugging in your everyday life than you typically do.
Highlighted in this article are going to be a few ways as to how hugging can actually help benefit someone’s health:
1. It’s a form of non-verbal communication.
Sometimes, words just aren’t going to be enough to accurately convey what you might be feeling or thinking. You might not necessarily be blessed with the gifts of eloquence and effective verbal communication. You might have trouble vocally expressing yourself. And whenever that’s the case, the hug can serve as the perfect alternative a lot of the time. Sometimes, even a hug can be more effective than words.
2. It improves athletic performances.
Based on a study that was conducted in 2010, it was discovered that athletes who were more open to physical interaction such as hugging actually showed better performances in their specific athletic fields. The study also confirmed that sports teams that used hugs often as a form of bonding and camaraderie elicited better athletic performance as well.
3. It helps relieve the effects of stress-related illnesses.
A hug is just a natural stress-reliever. And given that, it’s fair to state that any illnesses or physical conditions that are brought about by stress can be prevented by constant hugging. One study, in particular, found that there was a direct link between the strength of a person’s immune system and hugging. Based on the study, people who were mere open to hugging were less likely to get sick.
4. It gives you more confidence to carry yourself in public.
A recent study has found that people who had received hugs prior to performing a confidence-related task such as public speaking or stage performance showed improved confidence and self-assurance. They were shown to have lower heart rates as a result of receiving a hug from a loved one or a trusted individual. There is a direct link between the easing of nerves and the receiving of hugs from someone important.
5. It boosts the levels of oxytocin in your body.
Oxytocin is also referred to as the happy hormone or the cuddle hormone. It’s a chemical in your body that is released whenever you engage in a tight hug or cuddle with someone you love and trust. It is also the chemical that is responsible for you feeling a sense of comfort and security in the person that you are in a relationship with.
6. It serves as a natural form of pain relief.
Next time you are experiencing any kind of a pain in your body, then you might want to reach out to your partner for a hug instead of those pain relievers in your medicine cabinet. Granted, the effects won’t be as dramatic as drugs. But they’re still going to help. Studies have confirmed that the endorphins that are released when you are hugging someone can help block the pain receptors in your brain.
7. It aids in conflict resolution.
A recent study incorporating more than 400 participants confirmed that hugs can actually help people manage their negative feelings better. And by extension, they are more equipped to engage in effective conflict resolution. During heated situations, it can be very hard to meet someone else halfway. But a hug can actually help ease tension between two people.
8. It quells the harmful effects of existential crises.
There have been a few studies out there that state that people who were more prone to experience existential crises are able to find peace and solace in hugging the people they love and trust most in the world.
At the end of the day, hugging is just a singular form of expression. You don’t have to limit yourself to hugging when it comes to expressing your physical affection and endearment towards another person. But of course, it’s something that you can always revert to whenever you find yourself in doubt about it.
Even though you might not necessarily be a natural hugger at heart, hopefully, this article will have opened your eyes up to the art of hugging and why it can be really good for both the body and the soul.