The benefits of hugs are numerous. It does not matter who you are hugging—a friend, a partner, or a family member.
When you are giving or receiving a hug, it makes you feel warm and happy simultaneously. You see, hugs have their way of making you feel protected and loved.
However, did you know that there are other benefits of hugs? The hug should last for at least twenty seconds for those health benefits and must be fully embraced.
What are hugs?
A hug is a nonverbal communication and a typical way to show affection and love.
Everybody needs physical contact to survive, and hugging is a form of receiving and giving the love and support people need.
The kind of hug shared between two individuals could speak volumes about their relationships and improve bonds.
On the other hand, a lack of hugs and other forms of physical affection can reduce romantic relationships and make other people feel increased emotional stress.
What types are there?
Here are some of the most typical forms of hugs.
- Bear hug – It is typically given to friends. It’s said that bears could hug you to death with their strength. This hug symbolizes loyalty and solidarity.
- Goodbye hug – Tears typically accompany this close and long hug. When somebody close to your heart is leaving you and going far away, you usually hug them for a long time.
- Cuddle hug – This involves embracing or hugging affectionately. It could be described as a long, affectionate, and close embrace.
- A Comforter – is the kind of hug used when comforting someone close to you. This is done generally by parents and close friends to console the other person.
What are the benefits of hugs?
Now that you learned the different types of hugs, it’s time you know the benefits of hugs. Here are some of them:
1. A natural Stress Reliever.
A study states that being hugged by someone you trust can serve as an efficient way of conveying support.
Increasing the frequency of hugs can be an efficient way of lowering stress.
2. Burn calories as a Benefit of Hugs.
It is unbelievable, but hugging your loved ones could help you burn at least twelve calories. That suggests whenever you hug someone, you burn more calories.
3. Promotes healthy Brain and Memory.
Oxytocin is a hormone released into the bloodstream whenever you hug someone you love. That helps in strengthening your memory power.
It also stimulates your nervous system, allowing you to strike a decent balance between calmness and activeness.
4. Reduce Blood Pressure Levels.
Your oxytocin levels increase every time you hug somebody close to you. That hormone is vital for lowering cortisol in the body, thus reducing blood pressure levels.
5. Relax Muscle Tension is a Benefit of Hugs.
Another benefit of hugs is it relaxes your tensioned muscles. A hug releases all the tension in your body by fighting pain and enhancing blood circulation.
It even supports healthy blood flow in the soft tissues, helping in soothing tensed muscles.
So, what are you waiting for? Hug someone you love today and experience the fantastic benefits of hugs!
Read more:
National Hugging Day – 21st of January.
How to Love Yourself and Ways to love yourself even more.
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