7 Reasons Why Hugging Is Good For Mind And Soul

Embracing serves as a customary salutation, a heartfelt gesture, and a poignant indication of your affection for someone. Yet, distinguishing between friendly embraces and those laden with deeper implications hinges on subtle nuances within the hug itself. Given the diverse array of hug styles, the task might appear intricate.

You may embrace your grandmother, cradle your baby niece, or even cuddle your pet or a pillow. However, a hug from someone you harbor romantic feelings for carries distinct significance.

Since you're fond of them, understanding the underlying message of their embrace becomes paramount. Yet, broaching the topic directly might feel uncomfortable, necessitating your ability to discern between platonic embraces and those infused with romantic undertones.

So, how can you navigate the complexities of discerning between a friendly hug and one conveying something more profound?

# Stress Reduction:

It's logical to assume that hugs alleviate stress as they provide support and comfort. However, did you know there's scientific backing for this belief?

Multiple studies have demonstrated that embracing decreases the stress hormone cortisol and counteracts the physiological effects of stress. This holds true for both the recipient and the giver of the hug.

# Oxytocin Boost:

Oxytocin, often dubbed the "love" or "cuddle hormone," is a hormone in our bodies. Its levels increase, fostering a stronger connection with others, when we experience touch—including hugs!

Diminished levels of oxytocin are linked with anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions. Hence, physical touch like handholding, embracing, cuddling, and massages can mitigate the risk of these challenging feelings.

# Serotonin Elevation:

In addition to the "love hormone," hugs can elevate the "feel-good hormone," serotonin. Elevated serotonin levels induce feelings of happiness, serenity, and fulfillment.

# Enhanced Sleep Quality:

Hugs can also enhance your sleep quality due to their impact on stress, oxytocin, serotonin, and overall mood. Hence, incorporating hugs before bedtime can lead to a more profound and restful sleep.

# Trust Building:

Embracing someone you care about fosters feelings of calmness, safety, and security in being vulnerable with them. This vulnerability deepens the trust between individuals embracing each other.

Whether the embrace stems from pain or joy, it entails breaking down barriers and exhibiting emotional vulnerability to the person in front of you. Such actions necessitate trust, which is why most individuals reserve hugs for those they trust.

# Intimacy Enhancement:

Touch serves as a potent non-verbal means of communication. Through hugs, one can convey love, trust, loyalty, and a sense of closeness—emotions pivotal to intimacy.

The significance of a hug is often underestimated. There's much to gain from embracing someone you care for, ranging from physical health benefits to emotional well-being advantages.

Hugs also convey a spectrum of emotions such as empathy, understanding, tranquility, gratitude, support, and even attraction.

# Relationship Strengthening:

Hugging within a relationship holds significance. It signifies mutual comfort and conveys reassurance and affection without words.

Hugging is simply a form of conveying a message through human touch. It doesn't necessarily imply romance, but in a relationship, having this physical closeness devoid of further expectations is crucial.

At times, we simply yearn to feel connected to our partner without the pressure of it leading to intimacy, don't we?