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Hugs & Touch Improve Health
Hugging and holding hands has a noticeable effect on health. In
one study, by Karen Grewen at University of North Carolina, couples were
tested on their stress levels. One group held hands and hugged, and the
other group did not.
They then asked both
groups to talk about a recent event that stressed them out or made them
mad.
The hug group saw a lower rise in blood pressure, and their heart rate
returned to normal twice as fast as the no-hug group.
This is no surprise, as humans are innately social animals that benefit from physical touch. Studies have shown that people with friends or who are married are healthier; we thrive with social contact.
Americans especially are not very touchy. French couples touch each other about three times as often. Touch is healthy for all individuals; babies thrive with touch from their parents, and people who are not touched often are more lonely and have poorer health.
Hugs and physical contact results in the release of oxytocin, a "bonding" hormone that occurs during sex, childbirth, and breastfeeding -- and physical contact. Romantic couples had the highest increase during touching; And women showed a dip in Cortisol, a stress hormone. Hugs also release serotonin and dopamine.
So the next time you see a friend, family member, or your romantic partner, give them a hug for their health and yours.
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