Why hugging is healthy

Related Articles. What can you do to stay healthy? Access convenient, high-quality care right from the comfort of your own home. Important Links Notices. Other Links. Contact Us. Disclaimer SelectHealth may link to other websites for your convenience. All rights reserved. Register Log in Employers Make an employer payment. Make a group payment Prefer to speak to us directly? Are you a hug or a handshake kind of person?

As it turns out, that big purple dinosaur might have been on to something when he decided that hugs were the standard greeting. We all know hugs can be comforting during hard times, but why not start making it a regular part of your day?

We have a few reasons below to start doing just that. You know how drinking too much coffee can kind of put us on edge for the next few hours? Well, hugging can actually have the opposite effect.

Some researchers believe that hugging and other interpersonal touch can boost a hormone called oxytocin and also affect our endogenous opioid system. Big words, right? But basically it boils down to this: Simply through the act of hugging, our brains can produce soothing chemicals that help us feel more safe and less threatened throughout the day. Okay, this benefit goes hand in hand with the one above.

And the women who said they got more hugs from their partners generally had higher oxytocin levels at all phases of testing, leaving the researchers to conclude that oxytocin may be a link between hugging and lower blood pressure. So, the next time one of your friends or family is stressed, go on ahead and offer them a hug. His research has even personally impacted how Murphy offers support to his nearest and dearest.

Want more tips like these? Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram. IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Share this —. We'll go over common traits, how they compare to type…. Psychologists and psychiatrists have a lot in common, but they also have some key differences.

Nothing is. If you have misophonia, certain sounds might trigger intense irritation, disgust, and physical discomfort. Get the details on symptoms, treatments…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Mental Health. What Are the Benefits of Hugging? Share on Pinterest. Hugs reduce stress by showing your support.

Hugs may protect you against illness. Hugs may boost your heart health. Hugs can make you happier. Hugs help reduce your fears. Hugs may help reduce your pain. Hugs help you communicate with others. How many hugs do we need? Read this next.