We hug people for varied emotions ranging from happiness to sadness. Each one of us goes through a tough time in our lives, and how a mere hug doesn’t solve things but gives us the strength to fight back. Just a heartfelt hug can be a great stress reliever. It doesn’t only help to curb emotions but also develops a sense of security among individuals.

1. Reduces Loneliness
These days we spend most of our time on social media, and face-to-face meetings have reduced to a great extent. As a result, we might end up feeling lonely. A good hug can help you deal with feelings of isolation by helping you feel connected to other people and develop a sense of trust. When we hug, it shows that we are giving attention and love to others; it creates feelings of affection and helps counter isolation and alienation.

2. Reduce Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression
Hug also helps to combat the feeling of anxiety and depression. When we hug our loved one, it releases the dopamine hormone, known as the pleasure hormone and unleashes the feeling of contentment.

3. Reduces Stress
Stress is a part of today’s World; no one can say they are stress-free. A warm hug from your loved one can bring a feeling of positivity, and we feel a greater level of social support. A hug releases the hormone oxytocin, which lowers Stress and provides psychological stability.

4. Lightens Up The Mood
Arguing or being in conflict with someone can lead to a low mood. A simple hug can make things look much brighter, even in unpleasant situations. Cuddling or Hugging releases feel-good hormones. When the hormone is released, we experience feeling of happiness and relaxation. Research suggests that just hugging for 6 seconds can sparkle your mood.

5. Reduces Blood Pressure
Research has suggested that a hug doesn’t only help us deal with lonely feelings and reduces blood pressure which further reduces the risk of developing heart failure. As hug releases oxytocin hormone, lowering blood pressure and improving cardiovascular health overall. Hugging doesn’t only keeps your relationship healthy but also your heart.

6. Improved Immune System
We all know that when we are happy, we are healthy and more satisfied with our quality of life. When we are so glad, we release hormones, oxytocin and serotonin, which are directly related to our immune system. Kindly contact is also implicated in better health overall.

7. Helps to Communicate
We all know that we don’t just communicate through words; non-verbal expressions are also part of communication. Touch is a form of non-verbal communication that transforms words into feelings. Hugging is a very supportive and communicative type of touch. It also conveys the availability of social support and shows care and empathy without communicating to the receiver because not everyone likes to express themselves verbally.

8. Make you Feel Supported
Individuals are social beings who rely on social bonds for meaning and purpose. In times of hardship, a simple hug can go a long way to convey both individual and group support. A simple hug holds you up physically, cognitively and spiritually. A hug tells you that you are loved
and supported.

As a Counselling Psychologist/ Marriage and Family Therapist, Dr Nisha Khanna proffers online, telephonically and face-to-face Counselling Services. If you live in Delhi, India or any other part of the World, you can approach us through any of these mediums. For further details, visit Bye Tense, or call us at +91-9818211474