Have You Gave A Hug Today

Were you aware that hugging is good for your health?? Well, it is true so reach over and give the person nearest to you a big hug. You have just increased your level of the "love hormone" oxytocin. It helps to increase your hearth health and more. Offer your loved one a 20 second hug, and 10 minutes of hand holding and it has just helped you relieve a bit of stress. Stress as we all know can have bad effects for our health. But hugging has been shown to reduce levels of stress hormone. 

A 10-second hug a day can lead to biochemical and physiological reactions in your body that can significantly improve your health. According to one study, this includes:6

Lower risk of heart disease	Stress reduction	Fight fatigue
Boost your immune system	Fight infections	Ease depression

"A hug, pat on the back, and even a friendly handshake are processed by the reward center in the central nervous system, which is why they can have a powerful impact on the human psyche, making us feel happiness and joy… And it doesn't matter if you're the toucher or touchee. The more you connect with others -- on even the smallest physical level -- the happier you'll be."

Studies have found that one third of people receive no hugs on a daily basis but would like to have a hug. Cuddle therapy centers have developed because of those looking for human attention. It is not clear on whether or not cuddles from strangers have the same impact as someone you know. As a youth director I had a young man that would carry around a sign that said "free hugs" He offered everyone he saw a free hug. You would be surprised how many hugs he received.

Studies have shown that children who do not get hugs have delays in walking, talking, and reading. A hug has an immediate impact on health by lowering heart rate and inducing a calming effect and leads to an upbeat mood

The person offering hugs have just as much benefit to the person giving hugs as the person who is being hugged. Touch is an universal language that can communicate distinct emotions with starting accuracy. Hugs can relieve emotions such as anger, fear, disgust, love, gratitude and sympathy. 

Regular hugs have the benefit to release oxytoxin. Oxytocin decreases the level of stress hormones. Thus regular hugs can reduce craving of drug and alcohol addiction, as well as the desire for sweets. Oxytocin help reduce inflammation and aides in wound healing. Regular hugs can lead to:

• Cultivating patience and showing appreciation
• Activating the Solar Plexus Chakra, which stimulates your thymus gland (this may help balance your production of white blood cells)
• Stimulating dopamine, the pleasure hormone, and serotonin, for elevated mood
• Balancing out your nervous system for better parasympathetic balance

Hug your spouse or significant other, children, family members and friends will lead you to more hugs. Getting a pet is another way to cuddle and get hugs. Just a few minutes petting your dog or cat can promote the release of "happiness" hormones.