For ages, we have been hugging especially when we are excited or sad.
A hug acts as a comforter or as a sign of affection for someone. But do you know that hugging someone has a number of benefits apart from the warmth we feel?
Here are some of the health benefits can get from a hug every day:
1. Hugs make make us happy
Happiness is part of good health. The oxytocin hormone which is also called the cuddle hormone is produced by the body when we hug, touch or sit next to someone else. The hormone is linked with pure happiness and no stress.
2. Hugs strengthen the immune system
Tthe gentle pressure on the sternum during hugs stimulates the thymus glands which regulates and balances the production of white blood cells. The white blood cells defend the body against diseases.
3. Hugs relax muscles
Muscular pain or tension can be reduced or cured by hugging. When we hug someone, our muscles loosen as blood circulation in the tissues is increased.
4. Hugging boosts our self-esteem
The touch and the cuddle that we get from our parents while little children give us a cellular sense of self-esteem. When we hug, we develop the sense of self-love which boosts our self-esteem.