We hug other people when we are happy, sad, glad, or trying to give comfort. In fact, hugs appear to be a universal way to express “I care about you” and “you matter.” Simply hugging someone for 20 seconds or more releases the feel-good hormone, oxytocin. This hormone plays a key role in promoting social bonding and reducing stress. In fact, oxytocin has been linked to increased immune function, improving our ability to fight off viruses and infections.
But Why Does a Hug Feel So Good?
Hugs engage our sense of touch. As humans, we experience the world through sight, smell, hearing, tasting, and touch, but touch can often be lacking in our day-to-day experience. This has been especially true during the pandemic, when any type of closeness was considered off-limits.
New York psychologist, Dr. Guy Winch, recently said, “I have friends and patients that I work with who have not been touched in a year. At all. Not a handshake. And they are really suffering because of it. There’s something that feels very distancing and cold about not having any kind of option for an embrace, and that can leave long-lasting scars.”
Hugging a Pet Works Too
With an increase in colds and flu, and COVID still lurking, we may be cautious about hugging others, but hugging a pet has many of the same benefits. Hugging your dog, for example, promotes a feeling of unconditional love and closeness as oxytocin is released both for you and your canine friend.
Hug Someone—or Show Some Extra Kindness
This holiday, think of someone who could use a hug, and then find a way to show them a way to say “I care about you.” A hug is the perfect way to do that, but if it’s not possible, be creative.
“I have learned that there is more power in a good, strong hug than 1000 meaningful words.”