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For most people, the benefits of hugging someone are not explicitly pronounced. But the advantages you get from hugging someone are very powerful.
A simple hug can reduce stress, prevent you from getting sick, make you happier, and many more.
Keep reading this article to know the benefits of hugging someone.
1. Protection Against Illness
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Based on a study, hugging eliminates the worst symptoms of viruses that cause respiratory infections.
Of the 404 healthy adults who were subjects of the study, 32% recovered very fast because of frequent hugs.
So, if you want to protect your loved ones from catching diseases, or help them recover quickly, give them a hug.
2. Combats Depression
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One of the benefits of hugging someone is that it helps you lessen the symptoms of depression.
In this busy world where demands pile up, some people end up questioning themselves, which may result in depression.
Based on a study that mainly tackles the touch deprivation of Italians at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was proven that hugging helps people fight depression.
Results of the study showed that the more frequently a person receives a hug from a cohabiting partner, the fewer the symptoms of depression noticed.
3. Reduces Stress
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According to scientists, one of the benefits of hugging someone is that it reduces stress hormones called cortisol.
When you hug someone, the body of the person being hugged releases more oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” which counteracts cortisol, leading to more stable blood pressure and an overall state of calmness.
So, if you know someone who is struggling with stress, give him or her a hug—it will mean a lot.
4. Lowers Risk of Heart Disease
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Researchers found that one of the benefits of hugging someone is that it promotes heart health.
Many studies confirm that people who frequently engage in physical touch activities, like hugging, have a lower resting heart rate that protects them from various heart-related illnesses.
Again, the main reason why hugging helps protect heart health is because it triggers the release of oxytocin, which lowers blood pressure, reduces stress levels, and induces a calmer nervous system.
5. Reduces Fear
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One of the significant benefits of hugging someone is that it eliminates fear.
Hugging someone activates the parasympathetic nervous system of the people involved (it works two ways: for the one who hugs and the one being hugged), which means a calmer state of the body.
A simple hug will result in a slower heart rate, less urination due to fear, and also aid in good digestion.
6. Boosts Relationships
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A hug may seem unimportant, but it is actually a reaffirmation of your love for someone without saying words.
Couples who usually hug each other feel more secure and establish more trust with each other.
Moreover, regular physical touch establishes a supportive and caring environment that will surely help couples thrive, even during difficult times.
7. Makes You Happier
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One of the benefits of hugging someone is that it helps counteract negative emotions, leading to a happier life.
If you hug someone who is sad, you will help him or her return to a balanced state by releasing more oxytocin, which makes people ‘feel good.’
8. Directs Mindfulness
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In our list of the benefits of hugging someone, let’s not forget that it facilitates mindfulness.
Again, the world today is filled with many stressors, and it is very easy to lose focus and disconnect from inner thoughts.
The good thing is that hugging initiates a redirection of focus toward being aware of the present moment. The warmth of the arms when you are hugged will eliminate doubts, worries, and distractions, leaving more intentional thoughts and actions aligned with your goals.
9. Strengthens Communication
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Not all people are good at conveying their affection toward others through words, and this is when hugging comes in very useful.
If you hug someone, you don’t need words to let them feel how much you care, and it is also a way of fostering trust amidst tensions.
10. Improves Confidence
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One of the benefits of hugging someone that we must include in our list is that it helps build confidence.
When you hug someone, you are also validating their value and letting them know that, no matter what happens, they have someone they can count on.
Hugging is a very effective way to reestablish self-esteem, especially when someone is feeling down about something. Just a simple hug can give your loved ones and friends a solid support system, reminding them to continue in life and do better.
11. Source of Comfort
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When people are in doubt and can’t find someone supporting them, it’s like the last nail in the coffin.
But if you give them a hug instead, it’s a way of telling them that they are not alone in their fight toward achieving their goals.
A hug in challenging times brings emotional reassurance, showing people that there is still someone who sees their value despite setbacks.
Bottom Line
There you go—we’re done with our list of the 11 benefits of hugging someone that maybe not all people know. A hug may sometimes feel awkward to some, but this article tells us that it is a must.
After reading this post, why not give a genuine hug to the people you love?
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Thank you for making me understand why hugs are important to everyone!
Hugging is the best kind of theraphy, it boosts self-esteem and reminds us that we’re never truly alone!.
This article is a good reminder that simple hugs have powerful effects on our health and emotions. Something so small can mean so much.
This article is a good reminder that simple hugs have powerful effects on our health and emotions. Something so small can mean so much.