A hug is one of the most endearing acts a person can share with someone else through good or bad times. Hugs have been associated with a plethora of physiological and psychological benefits. Some of which, you probably know but there are benefits that you may not have expected.
Physiologically, hugs can enable lots of hormones to boost bodily function. A prime example is how hugs can release quite a bit of dopamine, which is the body’s “feel good” hormone.
It also releases serotonin, which will help you relieve stress and anxiety as well as improve your mood immediately. Hugs are also capable of releasing oxytocin which is responsible for a person’s blood pressure, sensations of comfort, and can also boost heart health.
Let’s not forget about the psychological benefits. Psychologically, hugs can reduce a person’s feeling of depression and loneliness. They build a sense of safety and satisfaction that can relieve some of the tension in your body.
Hugs are phenomenal for getting rid of anger, which is not typically something people would do when they’re angry but it’s true! Hugs before going to bed can also improve sleep.
Sometimes people can also find it difficult to speak about something they’re going through and hugs can actually make people more open and honest, which relaxes them.
Believe it or not, hugs can also boost your own self-esteem because having physical contact with other people is always reassuring and reminds people that someone out there loves them.
In short, hugs are great and have a slew of physiological benefits that include releasing dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. They can also do wonders for a person psychologically by making them feel safe, loved, and comforted in many ways.
This being said, you still may want to be cautious when sharing hugs for the time being, because COVID-19 is still lurking around. So, maybe hug a tree or send hugs virtually in the meantime.
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