The Healing Power of Hugs: Why Science Says You Need More

Who loves a hug?

Science does - research has shown that hugging is beneficial for our health.

A hug can make the world seem a friendlier place when we are hurting, tired, worried, or in need of being held without anything said. There are alternatives available for those who dislike being touched.

A heart-to-heart hug lowers stress levels, which improves our moods. Meaning our hearts are under less strain. It's good to be hugged.

Touch is needed just as much as feeling safe

Japanese research has indicated that holding a baby lightly does not help much to calm it, but a medium hug quickly calms. If, however, a hug is too hard, the baby starts to lose its calmness. Babies who are not hugged, held, or only touched occasionally are likely to experience growth and development problems later in life.??

That clearly implies touch is a human requirement, hugging even more so.??

Yet, regretfully, we live in a world filled with lonely people who miss being touched and held daily.??

Why hugging is essential for health

Hugging can help minimise negative emotions and encourage a more positive state of being. Oxytocin, the primary hormone released during orgasm, is also released when hugging.??

When we have low levels of Oxytocin, we can become clumsy and bump into people to have physical contact. That could be why I can't walk straight sometimes. Now, that's a thought. (Just in case you wondered, I never drink alcohol).

I can't remember where or when it was, but I do remember standing in the street where a female and a male had a sign saying, "Get a hug here."??

A hug creates a connection and can bond a relationship, whether with family, friends, colleagues or even people you meet.

The pair was in demand. It was interesting watching people's reactions when they realised what was involved—a hug. Some shrugged their shoulders and went for it. Some pretended not to be interested and continued to walk past but kept looking back.

Others, especially if they were with someone, debated whether to go for a hug. Usually, the answer was yes. Unsurprisingly, all of them who had a hug were smiling and looked happier after the hug.??

That left me curious whether, like me, they did not receive hugs as a baby.

It might explain why, as an avid networker before Covid, I would ask permission to give a hug. However, I was very conscious before asking how my energetic body responded to meeting the person. If I felt uncomfortable, I knew the person would not be comfortable, so I would refrain from asking. It was a great icebreaker and also quite relaxing.

The 20-second myth

Searching the internet revealed a study in which 200 couples were asked to hug for various time frames. This is where 20 seconds became the minimum time to affect the results a hug would provide.

A study monitored how often 404 people hugged. Then, they were separated and infected with a cold virus. Those who received hugs regularly had less severe illnesses, which suggests that regular hugs, together with strength, are great for our health.

Despite the 20 second guidance, it is the strength that matters. The stronger the hug, the more the body responds.??

So next time you hug, give a hard hug but ensure they can still breathe. I am sure you have had hugs that felt as if you were in a stranglehold—not at all pleasant. A hug is supposed to be enjoyable. If it isn't, listen to what you are feeling and saying to yourself.

Is there a problem with a person, or is there something you have had triggered by the hug? It's a good time to test how you feel about being touched and hugged in a safe environment before unleashing yourself into the world.

I admit I tend to hold tight, and I enjoy the moment. I benefit from the hug no matter how long it lasts because I don't get many unless they are virtual, which isn't quite the same.

Anti-ageing hugs

Hugging can keep you looking and feeling younger because it affects your well-being hormones:

• Dopamine
• Serotonin
• Endorphins
• Ocycotin

Feeling good, in turn, supports your immune system.

Receiving a hug has so many benefits, physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. The calmer and healthier you are, the more you will hear your intuition.

It's a shame this year's National Hugging Day was on January 21st, although that doesn't mean we can't go and get some hugs.

If there isn't a suitable person or animal for a hug, a good way to gain the benefits is to use a cushion or, in my case, a teddy bear. My mother gave me one as a present after I was divorced. It's proven very handy at times.

A cushion works because the posture you take while holding it mimics the body's position when hugging.??

Is it time to encourage more hugging? What's your view?

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Karen Bashford embodies empowerment after experiencing trauma and abuse from childhood, culminating in a physical and nervous breakdown in her 60s. She is a multi-award-winning Empowerment Mentor and Soul Healer. She is the founder of The K.B. Method and The D.R.E.A.M. System for women to #BeYOU—speaking their truth, calmly confident, and empowered leaders of their lives. Karen is an inspiring speaker, podcast host, author, and co-author. As a Hypnotherapist, N.L.P. Practitioner, and Psychic known for her direct but sensitive approach, she rapidly transforms the lives of female leaders, business owners, and entrepreneurs stuck in overwhelming self-sabotaging and limiting mindsets. Improving relationships, health, wealth, and happiness. Ready to transform your life - let's chat, book a call https://karenbashford.com/services