A few weeks ago I posted this on Instagram:
It was National Hugging Day and I wanted to highlight what a powerful, yet simple act hugging is.
I believe a hug can say so much without you actually needing to say anything at all. It’s comforting and reassuring and turns out, can do absolute wonders for your well-being.
I appreciate the current situation doesn’t lend itself to us running around grabbing people to hug. But as I’ll explain in a moment, there are ways to reap the well-being benefits of a hug without the need for another human to be present.
Before we look into how let’s understand why. And let me just say, the benefits go far beyond feeling good. There are numerous studies which point to a multitude of health benefits too.
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The many benefits of hugging for your well-being
Hugs can help to:
Reduce your stress levels – not only the stress levels of the person being hugged but the person doing the hugging too!
Build-up your immune system – a study of over 400 participants noted people in receipt of hugs were less susceptible to the common cold, and even if they did catch one, the symptoms they experienced were less.
Triggers the release of all the feel-good brain chemicals (such as Oxytocin, Serotonin) and decreases the stress-hormone, Cortisol.
Connect you to others – hugging helps you to feel less isolated and builds stronger bonds.
Lower blood pressure.
Decrease your risk of heart disease.
The potential benefits of hugging are powerful to say the least!
How many hugs should you have a day?
As many as you like. Researchers suggest the more hugs you can have in a day, the more positive benefits you’ll realise.
It’s also a great idea to start each day with a hug! A study discovered people who start their days with a hug are more likely to build better resilience to any stressful challenges the day presents them with.
Are you a ‘hugger’?
I appreciate that not everyone is a natural ‘hugger’. Personally, although slightly reserved on first meeting someone, I do love a hug. I think it’s a great way to set the tone for a future connection, one of warmth, support, friendliness and kindness. Perhaps this is a good way to view it if you’re feeling slightly awkward about it all.
If you find you’d like to have more hugs but have built current relationships around not hugging, the best way forward is just to ask. ‘Would it be OK if I gave you a hug?’ “I could really do with a hug right now.” Just go with any way you feel comfortable with phrasing it.
Don’t worry if you feel nervous, start by asking the person you feel most comfortable with.
How to receive the benefits of hugging when there is no one else around…
Hug your pet – obviously make sure your pet is happy for this to happen.
Hug a pillow – yes, studies have suggested hugging a pillow – or a teddy bear – can reap the same benefits as an actual two-person hug.
Use a weighted blanket – placing a weighted blanket around you can simulate feelings of being hugged or held. They could also help reduce anxiety and help you sleep better.
Hug yourself – yes, you can gain benefit from a solo hug. Why not try it right now? Wrap your arms around yourself and squeeze, you can even pat if it helps to self-soothe. A self-hug can also help you develop your levels of self-compassion.
Send a hug token – There are plenty of little trinkets available to send to a loved one. Think of it as offering a virtual hug through the post. Picking and sending a token is a caring act which is sure to touch the person receiving it. You could even spray it with your perfume giving them an even greater sense of your presence.
The benefits of hugging are certainly a helpful boost for your well-being.
I can’t wait until we’re all allowed within 2 metres of each other, there are so many friends and loved ones I’m desperate to hug again. Until then, hug who (or what) you can, make hugs a staple of each day and allow the many benefits of hugging help you live happier.
Related Reading: SMILE! EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW (BUT DIDN’T REALISE) ABOUT SMILING
Article Sources:
- Neural correlates of giving support to a loved one National Library of Medicine
- Does Hugging Provide Stress-Buffering Social Support? A Study of Susceptibility to Upper Respiratory Infection and Illness Sage Journals
- Touch May Alleviate Existential Fears for People With Low Self-Esteem Psychological Science Org
- What are the benefits of hugging? Healthline
- The Health Benefits of Hugging NBC News
So are you a hugger like me? Or do you prefer not to? Do you think you’ll make a point to have more hugs each day now that you know the potential benefits? Whatever you’d like to say – or ask – just get in touch by leaving me a comment in the box below. I’m happy to help and I always love to hear from you.
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I especially like getting hugs off the kids – now that they are getting older (and more embarassed about my existence!), it ‘s magic when I receive an impromtu hug from them – makes me so happy! I can definitelty see the health benefits – cushions on the sofa work for me when my kids dn’t want to come near me! ha ha xxx
Yes it’s a blessing isn’t it! I’m so happy they make you happy and thank you so much for reading and sharing xx
I wouldn’t say I was a big hugger before the pandemic, but I think this past year has made me more of one and it has certainly made me value hugs even more! I think my family must be sick of getting hugs off me to make up for the lack I’m getting elsewhere at the moment, haha. It’s really interesting as well that hugging can improve the immune system! I’m definitely going to try and start each day with a hug now. 🙂 Thanks Alex.
Gemma x
I remember learning about the benefits of hugs to our emotional and physical well-being, but it still astounds me how something so simple can be so impactful. I love the idea to start the day with a hug – even if it is just me hugging myself (LOL). I’m going to have to give this a try and see how that impacts my days.
Honestly, give it a try! Nothing like a bit of comfort to start the day with. I hope it quick starts your day really positively. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts xxx