Health Benefits of Hugging, Backed By Science
Updated: Jan. 16, 2020
Hugs are more than just a friendly greeting—they can be a surprisingly powerful health booster.
Hugs may have more benefits than you realize
The benefits of hugs go beyond just spreading joy. Although not everyone enjoys or feels comfortable with the same level of physical touch, hugs are thought to positively impact both your mental and physical health. (See what has the same stress-reducing benefits as a hug.) Read on for reasons why you should get—and give—more hugs on the daily (under appropriate circumstances and with consent of course).
Hugs may boost immunity
If you feel under the weather, hugging may help. A study published in 2014 in the journal, Psychological Science, found that hugs may help reduce the severity of cold symptoms. Experts from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, intentionally exposed adults in this study to a common cold virus. Then, they examined “the roles of perceived social support and received hugs in buffering against interpersonal stress-induced susceptibility to infectious disease.” The results? Social support and frequent hugs seemed to predict “less-severe illness signs.” (Also, see what you should do at the first sign of the flu.)
Hugs may lower stress
The next time you feel a conflict coming on, you may want to hug it out. A study published in PLOS ONE in 2018 found that “…both men and women may benefit equally from being hugged on days when conflict occurs.” While additional research is needed to more fully support this stress-alleviating idea, it can’t hurt to reap this specific benefit of hugging. But don’t stop with just with the benefits of hugs; here’s how to relieve stress with exercise.
Hugs may increase your self-esteem
If your self-esteem needs a boost, consider the benefits of hugs. It stands to reason that the feel-good gesture may help a low mood. After all, human touch signifies bonding and social connection. As a result, hugging may bolster your self-esteem by reinforcing your own ability to give and receive love. When you’re done hugging, turn to these other tips that’ll help you develop killer self-confidence.
Hugging promotes trust
A surge of the hormone oxytocin is yet another benefit of hugging. Oxytocin alleviates stress and promotes relaxation. (Here’s what happens to your body when you actually relax.) It may also play a role in your ability to trust and be trusted. For example, an older study published in Nature, a leading international weekly journal of science, points to an association between oxytocin and a “substantial increase in trust among humans, thereby greatly increasing the benefits from social interactions.”
Hugging may reduce depression
Hugging can be critical to emotional well-being and actually helps release our own natural “anti-depressant,” serotonin, according to Deb Castaldo, PhD, a relationship expert in New Jersey. “We also know that hugging our loved ones promotes healthy emotional attachment and intimacy, which is the foundation of a happy, healthy long-term relationship,” she says. (Here are some other ways to help someone with depression.)
Hugging may be critical for survival, in some cases
While most adults will be fine without a hug (although they are nice), physical touch is sometimes critical to physical and emotional survival. Dr. Castaldo explains that babies, and sometimes even animals, that are deprived of physical touch may become so depressed they stop eating.”This condition is called ‘failure to thrive.’ To boost your well-being and health and ensure happy relationships, get your hugging on,” Dr. Castaldo says. (Here’s how to boost your happy hormones.) “I recommend hugging until you’re completely relaxed, a minimum of six minutes per day.” Add six seconds of kissing to the mix, and she says “you’re good to go.”
Hugging shows appreciation
In a relationship, it’s easy to take your better half for granted. One of the overlooked benefits of hugging is that it can re-affirm your love. “It’s valuable to know that something as simple as time spent touching or hugging can have measurable neuro-biological consequences,” explains Stan Tatkin, PsyD, a licensed marriage and family therapist in Calabasas, California. Hugging can also be a great way to smooth over a disagreement. “Moreover, giving each other the touch you need may well have the capacity to reverse damages,” he says.
Next, check out our favourite winter meals that are almost as cozy as a hug.
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