The world that we currently live in is one devoid of human contact. We’ve forgotten how important physical touch is and we’re suffering because of it. Likewise, we’re losing the close bonds that we should have with the people that we love. Sadly, this is all because we’re unwilling to hug one another.
The truth is that holding someone in your arms is one of the greatest gifts that you could ever give to them, as well as to yourself. Along with that, it’s one of the most thoughtful and sincere ways that we can express ourselves. If you don’t believe me, here are 5 things that make hugging the most beautiful form of communication.
1. It Reduces Stress
People often don’t realize that hugging someone can increase their physical and emotional wellbeing tremendously. When you hug someone, the level of cortisol, the stress hormone, in your body is reduced drastically. As a result, you’ll find yourself becoming increasingly calm.
2. It Improves Your Mood
It’s not just stress that can be improved by physical touch. In addition to that, your overall mood can be lifted by hugging someone too. Hugging releases serotonin and endorphins in the brain, two chemicals which are linked to feeling good. This then reduces the symptoms of depression and makes you feel much happier.
3. It Balances the Nervous System
There are tiny pressure sensors known as Pacinian corpuscles within the skin which are linked to the brain through our vagus nerve. When someone touches you, these pressure sensors know that they’re being touched. Once they get this sense, such as when you are being hugged, they provide huge benefits. Mainly, they serve to balance the nervous system in the body.
4. It Improves Heart Rate
1 in every 4 deaths in the US is caused by heart problems. It’s understandable then why so many people would be desperate to find a way to improve their heart health. As it turns out, regulating your heart rate can be as easy as hugging someone that you love. Whether your heart rate is too fast or too slow, feeling the embrace of another human being can improve it.
5. It Relaxes Your Body
If you’ve ever experienced a warm, heartfelt hug then you’ll know exactly how it makes your body feel. Along with your mental and physical health being improved by touch, hugging is also a relaxant. Being in someone’s arms relieves the muscles in the body of their tension. This, in turn, can produce a sensation similar to that of meditation or yoga.
Although it’s such a simple act, hugging others can do so many positive things for us. It can improve our physical and mental wellbeing, as well as making us feel happier in general. So, don’t be afraid to hug someone that you love. Share your embrace with them so that you can both receive the amazing benefits that physical touch can provide. As well as that, you’ll most likely grow closer to one another too.
Hugging is such an important part of who we are as a species, yet it’s something that we often overlook. Share this article with your friends and family to remind them of how vital it really is.
