Hugged someone today?
Just 20 seconds of hugging triggers a storm of endorphins. Breathing and heartbeat calm down within a very short time. The so-called happiness hormones are therefore real stress killers. But how many hugs do we need?
What happens during a hug?
Hugs trigger many reactions in the body. We can hardly exist without physical contact. This was proven in a shocking way by an experiment conducted by Frederick II, who wanted to find out what language children develop when they grow up without contact and affection. The result was shocking: all the children died.
Martin Grunwald, Head of the Haptics Research Laboratory at Leipzig University, says: "Touch is as important as the air we breathe". He has long been researching what tactile stimuli actually do: "Touch is nothing more than a deformation of the skin with an additional temperature effect." The sensitive receptors in the skin send every change, such as temperature and pressure, to the brain. The body releases messenger substances and the organs react to them.
Cuddle hormone oxytocin as a soul healer
The hormone oxytocin is also released during a hug. Long known as a labor and women's hormone, it has many other positive properties that are important for a healthy soul. "Oxytocin plays a major role in the coexistence of all people. It has a pro-social effect, promoting positive social interaction," says neurobiologist Inga Neumann in Apotheken Umschau. Oxytocin has an uplifting and encouraging effect and at the same time ensures that we relax.
It also reduces the stress hormone cortisol. Blood pressure is lowered and the immune system is strengthened. Breathing slows down and the blood vessels relax. You become calmer and more relaxed. Depression is prevented and anxiety is alleviated.
In addition to oxytocin, the feel-good or happiness hormone serotonin is also released during a hug. The brain produces more of it, which lifts our mood. We are happier and our self-esteem increases.
How many hugs do you need a day?
The famous therapist Virginia Satir once said: "We need 4 hugs a day to survive, 8 hugs a day to feel good, and 12 hugs a day to grow inside ."
But that's not all: hugs help to keep the body and soul healthy.
Hugging trees as an alternative lucky charm
In times of corona, not everyone has a counterpart for health-promoting hugs. But there are other ways to compensate for the lack of human physical contact.
Studies at Skövde University of Applied Sciences in Sweden have shown that cuddling with dogs also has a positive effect on well-being. Slow, enjoyable eating can also increase the release of happiness hormones.
And if you like being out in nature, you should definitely hug a tree, advises Bremen neurologist Sebastian von Berg. "It sounds funny, but once you've done it, you realize: it makes you feel good, it makes you feel big and strong," says the neurologist.
Hugged someone today?
So if you haven't hugged anyone today, now is the time. Just a few seconds a day are enough to boost your well-being in the long term.
By the way, January 21 is World Cuddle Day. Make a note of this date in your diary.
Sources:
https://www.evidero.de/beruehrung-fuer-die-seele
http://www.zeit.de/2015/52/beruehrung-koerperkontakt-gesundheit-massage
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/health/2003-03-09-hug-usat_x.htm
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