Hugs don’t just bring us closer to others in a literal sense: they also trigger the release of oxytocin, a chemical associated with bonding behaviors. "Studies show that people feel better and more connected to their partner when they hug or touch frequently," Terri Orbuch, PhD, a relationship expert and author of 5 Simple Steps to Take Your Marriage from Good to Great, told Health in an email. "When we physically connect through a hug, it makes us feel emotionally and psychologically connected to the other person, it calms us, and it shows support." No harm in that.
Nothing is cozier than a hug. Whether it’s a mama-daughter embrace or a sweet squeeze with your significant other, hugs make us feel warm and fuzzy inside. But they do more than make us feel good: Research suggests that hugs can deliver some real health benefits, from easing stress to lowering blood pressure. Here, four ways a warm embrace can be good for both your mind and body.
They help us feel supported
Hugs don’t just bring us closer to others in a literal sense: they also trigger the release of oxytocin, a chemical associated with bonding behaviors. "Studies show that people feel better and more connected to their partner when they hug or touch frequently," Terri Orbuch, PhD, a relationship expert and author of 5 Simple Steps to Take Your Marriage from Good to Great, told Health in an email. "When we physically connect through a hug, it makes us feel emotionally and psychologically connected to the other person, it calms us, and it shows support." No harm in that.
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