Introduction
Hugs are more than just a simple gesture – research suggests that there are real mental health benefits associated with them. Not only do hugs help foster connection and support between friends and family, but they can also help reduce stress and anxiety, increase self-esteem, and even work against depression. In this article, we will explore the science behind hugging and investigate how this nurturing embrace can enhance our mental health.
Home is Where the Hug Is: Exploring Mental Health Benefits of Hugging
Hugging may be one of the simplest forms of affection, but it can be incredibly powerful – particularly when dealing with mental health. Studies have found thatregular physical touch stimulates the production of oxytocin in our bodies, as well as lowering cortisol (a.k.a the stress hormone). The release of these hormones plays a significant role in helping us feel connected to our friends and family, and can also reduce blood pressure and symptoms of depression.
Positive Connection
Hugging helps to create a positive connection between two people. It serves as a reminder that we are part of something bigger – a community, a family, a team – and that we are loved and supported by those around us. This feeling of connection and belonging is incredibly important for our mental health, helping to alleviate anxiety and build mental resilience.
Mood Booster
Physical contact, such as hugging, can also help to boost our mood. A study conducted in 2019 found that two minutes of hugging each day can reduce loneliness and significantly improve our mental health.
Pain Relief
Hugs can also be therapeutic; there is evidence to suggest that hugs can help to ease physical pain and improve overall wellbeing. A 2014 study in India found that patients with chronic pain reported experiencing less pain when they were hugged by a family member or caregiver.
Anatomy of the Hug: What Exactly Makes This Nurturing Gesture So Beneficial?
The science behind hugging is complex, but it boils down to physical contact stimulating the release of ‘happy hormones’ – oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin – into our brains. These hormones, known as endorphins, are responsible for helping us to feel calmer, more connected and emotionally stable, and when released into our bloodstream, can provide numerous mental health benefits.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a hormone released during physical contact, and is often referred to as the ‘love hormone’ – and with good reason. It helps us to feel more connected to those around us, and can even decrease our levels of anxiety and stress. Oxytocin also works to lower our heart rate and increase our sense of wellbeing.
Dopamine
Dopamine is a natural reward chemical released when we do something that feels good, or that we find pleasurable. Hugs are no exception. When we hug someone, dopamine is released in our brains, promoting feelings of pleasure, comfort, and satisfaction.
Serotonin
Serotonin is often referred to as our body’s natural antidepressant; it plays an important role in regulating our mood and emotion. When we hug someone, serotonin is released into our bodies, producing feelings of contentment, happiness and a general sense of wellbeing.
Neural Network: Why Do We Get That Fuzzy Feeling When Being Hugged?
Our bodies are complex, and the science behind why we feel that fuzzy sensation when hugged is fascinating. It all comes down to something called ‘mirror neurons’. This is a process by which the brain mirrors the feeling of pleasure when we encounter physical contact. Unfortunately, in today’s society where personal contact has been greatly reduced due to the Covid-19 pandemic, accessing these happy hormones can be more difficult. Technology has however enabled us to mimic the sensation of a hug through virtual contact, such as video calling and messaging apps.
Stimulus Response
Our brains are designed to respond to stimuli, and the stimulus of a hug produces a warm, fuzzy feeling. When the brain senses positive physical contact, it is programmed to respond with positive emotions in return.
Visceral Response
The sensation we feel when hugged is often referred to as a ‘visceral response’ – a physical sensation that radiates through our body. This is thanks to the release of endorphins, which stimulate our senses and give us that familiar fuzzy feeling.
Scientastic Support System: Examining How Hugging Can Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are two of the biggest contributors to mental health issues, and embracing the power of a hug can help. Not only does physical contact help to produce endorphins, but also provides us with a tangible reminder that we are not alone and that we are supported.
Emotional Comfort
Hugs can provide us with an emotional comfort; being held by another person sends a message that we are cared for and loved. This feeling of security can be incredibly therapeutic for someone suffering from stress or anxiety, as it can help to alleviate feelings of insecurity or loneliness.
Clear Thinking
Hugs can also help us to think more clearly. The reduction of cortisol (the stress hormone) in our bodies can help to create a calming, soothing atmosphere in which the mind can relax and focus. This can be especially useful for those who suffer from anxiety, as it helps to reduce their racing thoughts and clear their minds.
Arm-in-Arm Restorative: Investigating How Hugging Can Increase Self-Esteem
One of the most significant benefits of hugging is that it can help to boost our self-esteem. By giving us a physical reminder that we are important, connected and loved, hugs can help to counter feelings of insecurity or low self-worth.
Validation
When we receive hugs from the people we love, it can provide us with an important validation. We are reminded that somebody cares about us and that we are worthy of that love and care. This sense of validation can be incredibly restorative and help to build our self-esteem.
Confidence
Hugs can also help to boost our confidence levels. Receiving hugs triggers the release of oxytocin, which, as mentioned before, helps us to feel emotionally connected to those around us and can help to reduce feelings of loneliness. This sense of connection can provide an emotional boost and help to build our confidence in ourselves.
Long-Distance Love: How Technology is Helping to Make Hugs Happen
Technology allows us to share love and support with those who are far away. This can be especially significant for people who live far from family and friends and may not have the chance to receive hugs on a regular basis.
Video Calling
Video calling is one of the most popular forms of virtual communication. During calls, many people find themselves adopting the same body language used in physical hugging. By leaning in, closing their eyes and sending their love through the screen, participants can provide emotional support and a sense of connection over great distances.
Virtual Hugs
Using technology, there are now a variety of ways to offer a virtual hug. Most online messaging services include ‘hugging’ emojis, while VR technology is being developed to enable users to share virtual hugs with each other.
Conclusion
Hugs are a powerful tool when it comes to mental health. By producing endorphins that make us feel connected, content and supported, they can help to reduce anxiety and stress, increase self-esteem, and work against symptoms of depression. Technology has allowed us to access the benefits of hugs no matter where we are in the world, enabling us to stay connected with those we care about – even if they are far away.
