Whether you're a hugger by
nature or prefer not to be touched, your physical and mental health benefit
when you celebrate National Hug Day, held annually on January 21. Give a few
hugs this day and every day as you improve your overall health and wellbeing.
Increase Oxygen Flow
Touch increases your body's
hemoglobin, and it carries oxygen to all your body's organs. With oxygen, your
body's able to fight diseases as it recovers from illness.
Reduce Physical Pain
UCLA Pain Control unit's Dr.
David Bresler see the need for physical touch. He prescribes bear hugs four
times a day as part of his patients' pain management treatment plan. To give
and receive a bear hug and reduce your physical pain, he suggests you face your
partner and use both of your arms to fully embrace him or her.
Improve Mental Health
Hugging releases oxytocin, an
important hormone that affects your mental health and wellbeing. With it, you
feel happier and less anxious.
Reduce Stress
A study performed at the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researched the responses of 50
people after a stressful event. Part of the group held hands and hugged for 20
seconds while the rest of the participants sat quietly and did not touch. When
asked to recall a recent stressful event, the cuddlers experienced lower heart
rates and blood pressure readings then the non-cuddlers. You, too, will enjoy
reduced stress when you hug.
Sleep Better
Instead of fighting insomnia or
relying on sleeping pills, participate in a few hugs every day. They relax your
body and your emotions so that you can enjoy a better night's sleep.
Live Longer
Hugging stimulates your skin's
nerve endings, which allows them to signal your brain to slow cortisol release.
It's a hormone that fights stress, builds your immune system, reduces
inflammation and assists you in living longer.
Hugs do more than show
affection. They also improve your physical and mental health. Implement them
into your daily routine on National Hug Day, and talk to your doctor about
additional ways you can be healthy and whole.