If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that my most recent #funfactfriday post talked about the amount of hugs we need each day. But, is there really a psychology behind hugging? And what are the benefits? So I thought, why not do some digging on this, and share it with you guys!
Who wouldn’t want a hug? Unless of course you prefer your personal space, which I totally get. I can be like that too. But, sometimes it can be nice to know that someone cares for you, especially when things get rough. And turns out, there are real benefits to giving and receiving hugs.
First, it can help reduce stress and fear. If someone is going through a tough time, giving them a hug may be one of the most comforting things. It lets them know that you’re there for them and that you support them. Scientists even found that hugging an inanimate object can reduce feelings of loneliness, or the fears we have about the world (1). We are human, and physical touch from a loved one can be a comfort to us.
This next one may be a little uncanny, but hear me out. Hugging can actually boost your immune system and decrease your risk of getting sick (1). Why? Because getting hugs usually means you have a good support system in your life. And by support system, I mean family or friends - your loved ones. You're more likely to be less stressed and happier, which in turn builds a strong immune system. Feeling strong and happy is the best way to fight off everything standing in your way, or trying to take you down!
I’ve briefly mentioned this, but we all know hugging can make you feel happier. This is actually because our oxytocin levels rise when we hug someone or feel physical touch. Oxytocin is also referred to as the “cuddle hormone” because it promotes feelings of love, social bonding, and well-being, which is associated with less stress and more happiness (1)(3).
Lastly, sometimes, there are just no words to express how we feel. This is when hugging can come into play. Hugging is a form of expression for us. It’s how we communicate with others without any words spoken. It’s a silent language, and it is a beautiful one at that.
So, how many hugs do we actually need? Therapist Virginia Satir said “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.” That is definitely a lot of hugs, and I can tell you that I do not get anywhere close to 12 hugs a day. Well, I suppose you can’t go wrong with a hug, and maybe it’s better to get more than less in this case, am I right? But the thing is, I don’t really think it matters how many hugs you get each day. We don’t just give and receive hugs because we need to survive. Hugging is an action that comes from the heart, and even if you hug someone all the time, it’s still special. In that moment, you know that you are loved. I am certain that even just one hug a day is enough to make someone’s day.
When was the last time you hugged someone? Why not give someone a hug right now? Let them know you care for them, and how much they mean to you. Make their day. The power of hugging is truly something that can affect us in so many positive ways.
Works Cited
(1) Cirino, Erica. "What Are the Benefits of Hugging?" Edited by Karen Cross.
Healthline, Healthline Media, Apr. 2018, www.healthline.com/health/
hugging-benefits#5.-Hugs-help-reduce-your-fears. Accessed 3 Oct. 2020.
(2) "The Power of Hugs and How They Affect Our Daily Health." SCL Health,
www.sclhealth.org/blog/2019/07/
the-power-of-hugs-and-how-they-affect-our-daily-health/. Accessed 3 Oct.
2020.
(3) "'Love hormone' is two-faced: Oxytocin strengthens bad memories and can increase
fear and anxiety." ScienceDaily, 22 July 2013, www.sciencedaily.com/
releases/2013/07/130722123206.htm. Accessed 3 Oct. 2020.
When was the last time you gave someone a hug? How did it feel?
I hugged my mom before bed a couple of days ago. It just felt like a normal everyday habit.