The isolation and lack of human connection are part of what makes quarantining so difficult. Researchers have found that giving your loved ones an affectionate squeeze can actually be good for your health. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. He says hugs are a good way to show someone you care about them. Additional research found that giving and receiving hugs can actually strengthen your immune system.
Touch can also keep people from isolating themselves when reminded of their mortality. Research suggests some forms of touch may be capable of reducing pain. In one study , people with fibromyalgia had six therapeutic touch treatments. Each treatment involved light touching on the skin. The participants reported an increase in quality of life and reduced pain. Most human communication occurs verbally or through facial expressions. But touch is another important way that people can send messages to one another.
Scientists have found that a stranger was capable of expressing a wide range of emotions to another person by touching different parts of their body. Some emotions expressed include anger, fear, disgust, love, gratitude, happiness, sadness, and sympathy.
We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth. So, how many hugs should you have a day for optimal health? According to the best science, we should have as many as possible if we want to reap the greatest positive effects. Unfortunately, most Western people today — especially people in the United States — are touch-deprived. Many people live solitary or busy lives with reduced social interaction and touching. However, it seems people could benefit a lot from touching others a bit more.
So, if you want to feel better about yourself, reduce your stress, improve communication, and be happier and healthier, it seems that giving and asking for more hugs is a good place to start. If you feel nervous about seeking out more hugs, start by asking for them from friends and family members closest to you first. The science of this is pretty involved , but essentially a hug can lower cortisol levels and counteract the physiological consequences around being stressed.
We may hesitate to touch each other for fear of overstepping personal boundaries or making someone feel uncomfortable, but sometimes it's worth the risk to hug it out. Hug your loved ones and friends more. While you're here, check out other healthy living articles. For information on our medical and dental plans, visit selecthealth. SelectHealth may link to other websites for your convenience. SelectHealth does not expressly or implicitly recommend or endorse the views, opinions, specific services, or products referenced at other websites linked to the SelectHealth site, unless explicitly stated.
The content presented here is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and it should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease.
Please consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. Hugs can also give our immune system a healthy boost. Hugs might even lower heart rates and blood pressure.
A few good squeezes could lead to decreased depression. Share this Post! Leave A Comment. Read News. Become a Fan. Moms and Babies. View Pregnancy Services. Patient Stories.
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