Why are hugs so important? – The proven benefits of hugging

hugs

 

Who doesn’t love a nice, warm hug? When we hug others, we feel love, excitement, happiness. We hug when we are sad or lonely and when we are trying to comfort someone.

It makes us feel good, and as it happens, it is proven to make is happier and healthier.

According to scientists, the benefits of hugging go beyond that warm feeling you get when you hold someone in your arms. Read on below to find out how:

 

Hugs make you happier

 

Dr. Kathleen Light stands among the first scientists worldwide to study oxytocin in human social relationships. Funded through an NIH grant at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, she recently delivered a lecture on “Loving Family Relationships and Oxytocin: New Human Findings.”

Dr. Light described oxytocin as “the bonding hormone” known to enhance pair-bond.

She designed studies using “warm contact” in which couples sit close together, hips touching, in a love seat. They hold hands, talk to each other about a happy memory, then hug for 20 seconds. She found that the warm contact raised oxytocin blood levels.

Studying infants and mothers, Dr. Light found that mothers whose oxytocin increased after they held their infants closely showed lasting positive effects on the moms’ blood pressure. Even without the babies present, the oxytocin’s effect on maternal BP endured. 

 

Hugs may boost your heart health

 

Hugging can be good for your heart health. In a study including 200 adults, the following results were found:

 

* One group had romantic partners hold hands for 10 minutes followed by a 20-second hug with each other.

* The other group had romantic partners who sat in silence for 10 minutes and 20 seconds.

People in the first group showed greater reductions in blood pressure levels and heart rate than the second group.

According to these findings, a close, affectionate relationship may be good for you heart health.

 

Hugs may protect you against illness

 

The stress-reducing effects of hugging might also protect you from illness.

A study of over 400 adults showed that hugging may reduce the chances of people getting sick. 

Participants who had a greater support system were less susceptible to illness, and those with a larger support base who did get sick had less severe symptoms than those with little or no support in place.

Among infected participants, greater perceived support and more-frequent hugs each predicted less-severe illness signs. These data suggest that hugging may effectively convey social support.

 

Hugs may help relieve your pain

 

Seven studies that were conducted between 1997 and 2004 revealed a majority of statistically significant positive results for implementing that Therapeutic Touch should be considered among the many possible nursing interventions for the treatment of pain.

In another study, people with fibromyalgia had six therapeutic touch treatments. Each treatment involved light touching on the skin. The participants reported an increase in quality of life and reduced pain.

 

How is a PrettySpecial weighted blanket like a nice, warm hug?

 

Deep pressure touch triggers the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which are the two major feel-good hormones for your brain. Both these beneficial compounds can combat stress, depression, and anxiety, giving you an emotional pick-me-up after a quick snuggle session.

Both hugs and heavy blankets trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone that slows down your heart rate, reduces blood pressure, and promotes feelings of relaxation. PrettySpecial Weighted Blankets are made of 100% pure cotton and are filled with poly-pellets, which are non-toxic. This provides deep pressure touch stimulation without any uncomfortable restrictions. 

 

To find out more, you may read our customer reviews HERE

OR to order a weighted blanket you can go ahead and contact us via our contact to order form or email us to info@prettyspecial.co.za 

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