The power of a hug is like nothing else. It is most important for our mental health and well-being. I wanted to write this post because even though many of us know how hugs feel, many of us don’t get enough of the loving hugs that we need.
I have been thinking a lot lately about all the feel-good things in life and I realized I haven’t created a post about hugs. A good genuine hug can bring a smile to your kid’s face, defuse a situation with a loved one, and much, much more. When was the last time you hugged someone?
Here are some pretty cool details about the power of a hug:
Hugs help our brains
- Reduces reactivity to stress. Good hugs can help us become more resilient and also it could help our bodies reactivity to stress in the long run.
- Helps self-esteem. We could feel more valued as an individual, and also feel more loved. In turn this could help boost our self-esteem. We could use more of that.
- Strengthens relationships. It could help us bond better, and it also could build trust with one another.
- Opens the door for communication. It will convey comfort, support, affection and it is also a great non-verbal communication.
- Increases secure feelings. The touching aspect of the hug can also make us feel as if we belong. Security is very important.
- Sparks good emotions. Oxytocin is the feel-good chemical that is released in our body. It is associated with our overall well-being, and connections with one another, and it also just feels good, right?!
- We become less lonely. The feeling of being confined or isolated will start to feel less and less. We are social creatures so hugs really amp up the goodness.
Hugs help our bodies
- Helps sleep. If we reduce our stresses it becomes easier to relax and then help ease us into relaxation. Relaxation then turns into better sleep. Hugging before going to bed is even better. Get your cuddles in!
- Reduces stress and anxiety. It lowers the heart rate and releases the stress hormone, cortisol. Which helps us become more relaxed.
- Helps with pain. I read that hugs can actually help reduce chronic pain temporarily. Endorphins are released in our body and it becomes a natural pain reliever if you will.
- Helps our gut. Hugs can actually strengthen our immune system.
- Helps the heart. Hugs lower heart rates and also lowers blood pressure. Need a hug?
- It just feels so good. I mean really, hugs just warm the soul!
My beautiful and amazing life partner and I just recently had a misunderstanding. We had both been stressed and overwhelmed with daily life and it was just a tough day. We both kinda got snippy with one another which rarely happens and it made me so sad. Regardless of who may or may not have been at fault after a few minutes, I felt in the moment that it was important for me to hug her. No words were needed, just the warm embrace.
The hug in that moment was so that she knew that she was loved through and through. It wasn’t supposed to take away the issue, but more just defuse the tension. It was such a beautiful moment. We both could breathe easier after that and clarify or explain each of our frustrations calm, cool, and collected. A hug is a significant non-verbal communication. Get you a hug today!
Conclusion
Hugging is so important and we need to get them every day. If I recall it says we should have 4 hugs per day. I am virtually hugging you right now.
