As January comes to an end, we can reflect upon the many noteworthy holidays, such as National Hugging Day. National Hugging Day is on Jan. 21 in the United States. Hugging has been found to be very beneficial. Let’s take a look to see why we should hug people not just on National Hugging Day, but every day!
1. Hugging Boosts the Immune System
A study by Carnegie Mellon University conducted an experiment consisting of 404 healthy adults, who answered questions about the level of amount of hugging they did or did not receive. They were then all exposed to the cold virus and were quarantined as their symptoms were examined. People who received or gave hugs on a more regular basis were less susceptible to getting sick or at least having severe symptoms. Those who did not receive as many hugs were more likely to catch an illness and experience worse symptoms. Hugs can reduce stress levels and as stress creates higher chances of catching illnesses, those chances are lowered as well.
2. Hugs can Reduce Negative Feelings
A study at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that couples who spent more time hugging had happier emotions. Some couples were instructed to perform activities such as watching a romantic film and then hugging for twenty seconds afterward. Others were put into another group where they did not have this interaction. Participants were then instructed to talk about something that recently made them feel worked up. Researchers found that the couples who spent time hugging one another beforehand did not have as high a stress increase compared to the other group.
3. Hugging Can Lower Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
The study at the University of North Carolina, mentioned above, measured the blood pressure, heart rate, and oxytocin, a hormone that can decrease negative feelings, levels throughout the different phases of the experiment. Researchers found that the women who were hugged more often had lower blood pressure and higher oxytocin levels. They also had lower heart rates after spending the instructed time with their loved ones as well.
4. Hugging Can Reduce Pain
A study at Israel’s Haifa University had a group of women participants touched with a hot metal rod, causing a small amount of pain. Researchers had strangers to the women lightly touch their hand while experiencing this. It did not make a difference in the pain felt. Next, they had loved ones stand by the women during the sensation without touching each other. This also did not affect the pain. When the women were touched by a loved one, they noticed that the more comfort they received, the more they felt the pain diminish.
Bonus: Hugging your Dog
Giving your pet a big squeeze can have similar benefits in itself. A study found that spending time with your dog can increase oxytocin levels. Owners were instructed to interact with their dogs as they normally would for half an hour. Others were told not to look at their dog. The oxytocin levels were measured before and after the owners spent the thirty minutes with the dogs. Those who had carried on as normal had higher levels of this hormone, while the others did not experience a change in levels.
Rebekah Davidson
Intern