This post, 5 Health Benefits of Hugs: Try Them Today! originally titled Hug- Thought for the Every Day, was originally published in 2017 and has been completely updated in March 2023.
Dictionary.com’s definition of a HUG is: To clasp tightly in the arms, especially with affection, embrace.
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We give hugs when we’re sad, when celebrating, when saying hi, and even when saying goodbye.
It’s a very universal gesture, but are you lacking a hug in your life?
It seems like sometimes there’s very little of this going around.
Except for maybe new couples and parents with little ones…..little, little ones. Or maybe it’s just in my life and circle.
I, myself, would consider myself a touchy-feely type of person.
That’s not to say I’m just going around touching people, or in this case, hugging everyone I see but if you’re in my circle you have more than likely gotten several hugs from me in our lifetime of knowing each other.
But in my daily life, before my little one came along and now, not counting my little one, there seems to be little hugging going on.
Benefits of Hugs
Now, I know many people aren’t fond of public displays of affection, even a hug, but I’m not even talking about them in public.
Even in our own homes how much affection are we talking about?
We’re so busy these days going places, doing things, fixing a meal, getting ready to go out, going to bed and/or worse of all playing a game on our cell phones, computers, TVs, or game consoles to interact with each other let alone give someone a hug.
You know what though, think back to a hug you got.
Didn’t you feel better afterward and/or know that whoever you gave a hug to felt a bit better?
Even if it’s not because someone needs to feel better.
It’s amazing what a little human contact will do for a person.
Speaking of, that’s our #1
Releases Tension
Though it’s not life-changing and it’s not going to fix a problem but it certainly isn’t going to hurt anything either.
It has been shown that one of the great benefits of a hug is that our muscles relax when we do it!
Strengthen your Immune System
The act of hugging actually activates a certain gland in your body – the thymus, which helps regulate our white blood cells, the cells that keep us healthy!
Reduces Blood Pressure
Most of us probably need help with reducing our blood pressure.
Another great benefit of hugs!!!
When we hug, our bodies release oxytocin which is considered our love hormone.
When we feel loved, our blood pressure is lowered.
Helps Heart Health
We already mentioned that it helps with lowering our blood pressure, right?
Well, hugs also reduce heart rate.
Both of those together create a healthier heart!
Benefits of Short Hugs
Did you know even a short hug of only a few seconds can have huge health benefits?
Think lowering depression, and stress, even waking you up if you’re feeling tired, and increasing your immunity!
These, of course, are only some of the reasons why hugs are so powerful.
Give yourself a hug. I know, not really easy to do and maybe not as effective but there’s nothing wrong with giving yourself some encouragement and strength.
On the flip side, be willing to receive hugs this week, even if you’re not a hugging type of person.
Again, it’s not going to hurt you and even if you don’t/won’t admit it, it will probably make you feel better.
So, take time this week to give hugs.
Don’t go crazy, unless you want to….and your circle is like that.
Even if it’s just one of those side-shoulder hugs.
It could be just the encouragement or human contact the person needs to get through something that day.
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