Why does a hug feel so good?

When you hug someone, oxytocin is released throughout the body, causing a decrease in heart rate and a drop in the stress hormones cortisol and norepinephrine.

According to Mercola.com:  “A 20-second hug, along with 10 minutes of hand-holding, also reduces the harmful physical effects of stress, including its impact on your blood pressure and heart rate”

Oxytocin is known to increase levels of feeling-good hormones such as serotonin and dopamine, which may be why it has calming effects.

Benefits of Hugs

1. Relaxes Muscles
   
2. Reduces Stress
   
3. Boosts Your Immune System
   
4. Protect Against Heart Disease
   
5. Lessen Feelings Of Isolation
   
6. Reduce Anxiety, Too
   
7. Help Fight Fear
   
8. Relieve Pain
   
9. Teach Us to Give and Receive
   
10. Balance out the nervous system
    

Hugs are so much like meditation and laughter. They teach us to let go and be present in the moment.

 

http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797614559284

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22071630

http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0898010108327213

http://psycnet.apa.org/record/2009-11528-017

https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/releases/touch-may-alleviate-existential-fears-for-people-with-low-self-esteem.html

https://nihrecord.nih.gov/newsletters/2006/02_24_2006/story03.htm

https://health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/articles/2016-02-03/the-health-benefits-of-hugging

https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128795325?storyId=128795325

https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/unified-theory-happiness/201406/4-benefits-hugs-mind-and-body

http://edition.cnn.com/HEALTH/9709/11/nfm.touch.stress/

https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/releases/touch-may-alleviate-existential-fears-for-people-with-low-self-esteem.html