The science behind why hugs have a healing power

Whether youre a kid who just sprained your knee a 24yearold going through a midlife crisis or a person over 60 looking to start a new inning in life It is safe to say that enveloping our arms around the body is one of the most widely recognised forms of loveTouch has that kind of power Humans are born with a desire for physical affection and are socialised to crave it It is one of our most basic requirements along with food and water And while much has changed in the way we interact with one another over the years the need for physical affection has notThe science behind a hugA 2013 study found that the act of hugging can change the levels in our endocrine system The endocrine system is made up of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream These glands include the pineal gland pancreas hypothalamus ovaries and others The study found that hugging can make us feel more comforted by changing the levels of hormones in the body said Goldy Nagdev Managing Director Hari Darshan Sevashram Pvt LtdThe hugged persons hormone levels changed in a way that made them feel more comfortable and relaxed The researchers believe that this happens because hugging releases oxytocin which is a hormone that has been shown to reduce stress and promote feelings of happiness and bonding This research shows that hugging can be a powerful tool for promoting wellbeing and reducing stressNo pain no gain FalseNo pain no gain does not stand valid anymore especially not with the study proving selfhugs to be the cure for it literallyThe hugs you give yourself may help relieve chronic pain Researchers found that when people hug themselves it causes their brains to get mixed up on where the hurt is located The researchers suggest this outcome relates back to confusion about where exactly feels bad in our bodiesit can be anywhere from the head down low or vice versa depending on how were standing at any given moment when giving ourselves a potential embracebut what really matters here That there seems some truth behind theories claiming selflove improves moods by making individuals feel more confident and happyYou got your backWhen you give yourself a hug it can help you feel more connected to yourself and less alone When you wrap your arms around your shoulders in an embrace it also triggers your brain to think of this gesture as social support It offers many benefits such as promoting feelings of safety and security which is especially important during these times now that we have realised postCovid how we need ourselves more than any amenity person or luxury in the world added Goldy NagdevHugs driving selfcompassion to new highsWhile selfcriticism can be a helpful motivator in some cases too much of it can lead to feelings of inadequacy and despair On the other hand selfcompassion provides a sense of understanding and support during difficult times As per renowned selfcompassion researcher Kristin Neff PhD research has shown that selfcompassion can lower cortisol levels improve overall wellbeing and even increase mindful acceptance and selfesteem So the next time youre feeling down on yourself try giving yourself a hugyou just might find it makes a world of differenceA hug a day keeps doctors awayWho would have thought that a hug a day could keep doctors away In an interesting study conducted by Dr Sheldon Cohen Professor of Psychology at Carnegie Mellon University Some adults were exposed to the common cold virus and monitored for symptoms but not only did they get sick less often than others before them those who had received hugging treatments early on in life showed much fewer signs of illness when infected later onThe University of North Carolinas findings shows that hugging can keep us healthier by increasing white blood cells in the body It is also believed to help with stress relief which helps fight off infectionHugging it out all the wayA warm hug is more than just a gesture of affection It is also a powerful tool for promoting understanding and reducing judgment Goldy Nagdev Managing Director Hari Darshan Sevashram Pvt Ltd said When we hug someone we are physically and emotionally close to them This proximity encourages communication and positivity It also helps to reduce the stress hormone cortisol which can lead to greater feelings of hostility and judgment The release of the joy hormone oxytocin during a hug also induces feelings of love and compassion furthering the emotional bond between two people In short hugging is a classic expression of empathy that can help us to connect with others and build a more compassionate world