Health Benefits of Hugging, Cuddling

Laughing, cuddling and hugging not only display your affection towards your loved one, but it can also be a health benefit. Multiple researchers conclude that hugging and cuddling can cure depression, stress, tension, anxiety and loneliness. A proper hug where you heart touches the other person’s heart can aid you with the following health benefits:

Hugging leads to release of love hormones called Oxytocin, which fights feeling of depressions, loneliness and also fits of anger. It promotes a sense of safety, trust and honesty in a person. A long hug results in an increase in serotonin levels, which elevates your mood and makes your happy.

As mentioned on website mindbodygreen, “Hugs strengthen the immune system. The gentle pressure on the sternum and the emotional charge this creates activates the Solar Plexus Chakra. This stimulates the thymus gland, which regulates and balances the body’s production of white blood cells, which keep you healthy and disease free.”

Hugging is a way improves one’s self esteem and helps in nurturing the ability to love oneself. As they boost blood circulation to the softer tissues hugs can ease your pains, relax your muscles and can also relax your body. Hugs are similar to meditation or even laughter. You’re mind stops thinking and you live in the moment. So you get out of your circular thinking patterns and unite with your heart, emotions and breathing simultaneously.

Hugs get you out of your circular thinking patterns and connect you with your heart and your feelings and your breath. According to Virginia Satir, an American author and psychotherapist, “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need twelve hugs a day for growth.”

Cuddling for just 10 minutes a day, provides a health boost for the mind, body, and spirit. Studies have shown that couples who lather a steady stream of hugs and kisses on each other strengthen their bond and increase their odds of staying healthy. (Image credit: www.theworldinmyeye.com)

Cuddling for one, for just 10 minutes a day, and regularly showering your loved one with affection, provides a health boost for the mind, body, and spirit. Studies have shown that couples who lather a steady stream of hugs and kisses on each other not only strengthen their bond, but increase their odds of staying healthy as well. That’s just a bunch of Valentine’s Day mumbo-jumbo, you say?

Cuddling can:

a. Reduces the risk of heart disease.

b. Lowers blood pressure.

c. Increases sexual desire. Regular sex for married couples is not only fun, but a key component to mental and physical health. Sex helps the body battle germs, promotes deeper sleep, and improves mood.

d. Boosts memory.

e. Improves communication.

f. Encourages a positive disposition.

As you can see, when it comes to health, cuddling and hugging are pretty much the new half marathon. As if you needed another reason to snuggle up!

Sources: Times of India, Cafe Truth

Photo above: Hugging is a way improves one’s self esteem and helps in nurturing the ability to love oneself. It boosts blood circulation to the softer tissues that can ease pains, relax muscles and body. (Image credit: trico.ru)