Hugging is a fantastic way to express a plethora of positive feelings. We hug when we greet before we kiss, and when we simply want to show our appreciation and love. It feels good and we generally enjoy doing it. In fact, I find that offering a hug and a friendly kiss on the cheek when greeting friends and family helps to set the tone for a positive and pleasant visit. However, in today’s fast-paced world, we often forget to indulge ourselves in the warm, friendly embrace of another person. Well, here are five exemplary reasons to stop skipping the friendly hugs and start reaping the benefits!
So we see that the simple act of hugging is one of the easiest ways to boost your body’s level of oxytocin. More oxytocin in the bloodstream results in a greater sense of calm and an increased ability to handle stress. The hormone is considered a pivotal factor in maintaining our ability to form close attachments to other people and an effective means of lowering “the stress hormone” cortisol. Hugging is a great stress-buster so aim to hug as much as you can, whenever possible.
If you are on your own, you can easily replicate these benefits by petting a beloved dog or cat. After all, pet owners have also been shown to have similar levels of contentment as those in happy relationships. Forming a close-knit social group is also another great way to ensure that hugging becomes a routine part of your daily life.
Don’t wait for special occasions to share a hug. Hug whenever you can, show someone that they are very much appreciated while improving your health and sense of well-being.
Any health advice issued by this site is not a substitute for medical treatment or diagnosis by a doctor. Recipes that suggest the ingestion of essential oils should be approached with caution. While essential oils are very beneficial when used topically or for their aromas, ingestion is typically not recommended. Life with Jan does not sell or promote the use of essential oils for consumption.
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