Have you ever seen videos of certain individuals giving out free hugs to strangers in public places posted on YouTube or other social media platforms? Though most people would think their act was just their way to show kindness towards other people, experts say these hugs can give and express more than that.
With how the world is getting so stressed at present, scientists recommend to at least have four hugs a day, as reported by Nomadrs. Though it might look plain, simple, and free, experts say hugging is considered as one of the world's best natural medicines at present.
You might be wondering, what's up with hugging that humans can benefit a lot big time? What are the good effects one can get from having at least one hug every day?
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE BODY WHENEVER YOU GET A HUG?
Whenever one person receives a hug, his brain instantly produces a chemical known as oxytocin. This chemical, also called the "cuddle hormone", promotes the feeling of love, well-being, and bond, which can also help ease a person's anxiety and stress. This feeling encourages people to feel happier, which tends to be a good thing especially to those who have been suffering from depression, as explained by HealthLine.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HUGGING?
Hugs Don't Just Protect You From Stress But Also From Infections
In a study conducted at Carnegie Mellon University, researchers were able to prove how hugs can improve the health and well-being of those who are getting it. The study, which was participated by about 404 healthy adults, revealed that the more hugs a person get, the lesser his risks of illnesses caused by certain infection and stress.
Hugs Can Improve Heart Health
Researchers were able to debunk the link of improved heart health to hugging. In a study conducted by the experts of the School of Medicine at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, researchers found out how warm hugs can protect the heart more and improve its health.
They were able to dig deep into this study after they have observed 185 adults, 100 of which have a spouse and were able to get a hug for 20 seconds. During the study, all the participants were asked to share some events that have caused them stress and anger recently.
Results showed how people who haven't received hugs pose a dramatic change with their heart and blood pressure rate. To those people, their systolic reading and their heart rate increased by 24 points and 10 beats per minute respectively.
