We hug others when we’re excited, happy, sad, or trying to comfort. Hugging, makes us feel good! It turns out that hugging is proven to make us healthier and happier.
WHY HUGS ARE IMPORTANT?
Reduce Anxiety: Scientist (Association of Psychological Science) found that touch can reduce anxiety in people with low self-esteem. They found that even touching an inanimate object — in this case a teddy bear — helped reduce people’s fears about their existence.
Make you happier: Oxytocin is a chemical in our bodies that scientists sometimes call the “cuddle hormone.” This is because its levels rise when we hug, touch, or sit close to someone else. Oxytocin is associated with happiness and less stress.
Make You Feel Like Everything Will Be Okay: We instinctively hug those who are struggling. When you receive a hug from someone you care about, it can generally leave you feeling safe, and excited for the future.
HOW MANY HUGS YOU SHOULD GET EACH DAY?
Virginia Satir, a world-renowned family therapist, is famous for saying:
“We need 4 hugs a day for SURVIVAL.
We need 8 hugs a day for MAINTENANCE.
We need 12 hugs a day for GROWTH.”
HOW TO GET MORE HUGS?
Get a Hug Buddy.
If you are married, this is easy. Start keeping a daily tally and find out what number of hugs makes you, and to our spouse feel most at peace.
Hug and/or Sleep with Your Pet.
Yes, this is not the same as hugging a human, but still, it’s contact with another living thing, so go for it!
Hug Yourself.
Yes, this may sound silly but it works. The goal is oxytocin and serotonin release. Boost this experience by listing all the things you love about yourself.
“Let his left hand be under my head and his right hand embrace me.”-Song of Solomon 2:6