Health
The mental health of any person is associated with meeting tactile needs.
We all love to be hugged. This simple non-verbal gesture shows us the cuddler's friendship.
But hugs are much more useful and more important than it might seem at first glance.
This is exactly what will be discussed in today's article.
Hugs
1. Oxytocin production
Oxytocin (the love hormone) is the main hormone produced during the hug process that helps you feel good and also helps you connect with loved ones. Oxytocin causes a sense of satisfaction, reduced anxiety and a sense of calm. Many studies have shown that oxytocin is linked to human relationships, increasing trust, and reducing fear. Its advantages will be discussed.
2. Enhancing the immune system
Hugs stimulate the production of hormones that help fight infections and strengthen the immune system. Gently pressing the sternum stimulates the thymus gland, which regulates the body's production of leukocytes that fight diseases.
This is especially important for children. If a mother constantly hugs her baby, his body actively produces oxytocin and endorphin (the hormone of happiness). These hormones not only support the immune system, but also contribute to the formation of a close relationship between mom and baby. Babies who receive enough tenderness and attention from their parents develop faster and get sick less – they have stronger immunity, they grow up capable of empathy and love.
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3. Pain relievers
Hugs release a large amount of endorphins, which are morphine-like substances that reduce pain and cause a feeling of euphoria. Scientists explain that during hugs, partners' brains begin to work in a single rhythm, waves of electrical activity are synchronized and this helps to cope with pain and stress.
It's not for nothing that the kids immediately rush to their mother if they suddenly hurt a place. As soon as mom hugs and kisses, everything goes away right away. It really works; it's not a child's whim. Mom's hugs and kisses relieve pain.
4. Reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases
Scientists note that men and women who are doing well in the family reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. And the thing is that they produce enough oxytocin. Chemical processes in the body that begin after a hug can help lower blood pressure, which in turn heals the heart system.
5. Reducing anxiety
Oxytocin production stimulates positive thinking, which helps you look at the world with optimism. This hormone enhances trust, reduces anxiety and fear, gives peace of mind, confidence and strengthens human relationships. For example, a person comes to a party where he knows only one person, then a friendly hug from his friend will help him feel more confident, and he can easily fit into the company.
6. Strengthening relationships
Communication is very important in human relationships, but people forget how effective and meaningful touch can be. If you come home after a hard day at work and don't stop thinking about work problems, this has a very negative impact on your relationship. It's better to spend 10 minutes cuddling instead – this will be a short break from the stress of everyday life, and it will also strengthen your relationship. During this time, you'll spend time focusing solely on your partner and how you feel about them.
7. Hugs are the prelude to intimacy
Even non-erotic touch can lead to the production of hormones that increase sexual desire. A gentle hug from your partner after a hard day at work can lead to sexual activity that will only strengthen your relationship. In addition, sex is a great way to relieve stress and an easy way to get physically active. This is a win-win for both partners.
8. Facilitates childbirth and breastfeeding
Oxytocin is a hormone that plays an important role in childbirth. It promotes labor – contraction of the uterus and the passage of the baby through the birth canal. But even after childbirth, oxytocin is very important. It is thanks to him that the young mother shows a maternal instinct, she begins to feed the baby, protect him, and takes care of him with pleasure. Two hormones, oxytocin and prolactin, are involved in the production of breast milk. Oxytocin helps mom relax, after which breastfeeding becomes easier.
9. Good sleep
Oxytocin is secreted by the brain when calm and causes sleep. It counteracts the effects of cortisol, the stress hormone, soothes, reduces anxiety and causes a sense of peace. You can spin for a long time and try to fall asleep, or you can just spend 10 minutes in the arms of a loved one and fall asleep soundly.
Read also: 10+ ways to increase serotonin, the hormone of happiness
Relieving stress
10. A sense of security
Oxytocin is a well-known stress fighter. It blocks the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone, and as a result cortisol (a stress hormone). Therefore, under the influence of oxytocin, a person feels safe and opens up to the world. This level is especially high among ardent lovers. Hugs symbolize support from a partner, and the more reliable it is, the lower the level of the “stress hormone”.
11. Hugs are important to everyone
You need to cuddle not only with your romantic partner and children. It will not be superfluous if you cuddle with your friends and pets. You'll also achieve all of these effects. When we hug our soul mate, we tell him in body language, which his unconscious believes more than saying that he is not alone, that they are ready to support him, surround him with care, love and protection.
In order for a child to grow up healthy and happy from childhood, parents need to hug him as often as possible. Hugs are based on all complex biomechanisms that greatly influence a person's future fate. Such a simple ritual will have a positive effect on the baby's health and guarantees resistance to stressful situations and emotional stability.
According to Virginia Satyr (an American psychologist, psychotherapist), we need four hugs a day to survive, eight hugs a day for normal functioning, twelve hugs in a day for growth and development. Cuddle more often and be happy.