[vc_row padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px”][vc_column fade_animation_offset=”45px” width=”1/1″ id=”” class=”post-content” style=””][text_output]Can you remember the last time you hugged someone? A hug is that seemingly useless act of momentary comfort that has been known to leave us with that warm and fuzzy feeling inside. We’ve all had hugs, even the most isolated and anti-social among us were hugged by their parents.
Animals do it too. In the wild, zebras hug for protection. Alone, they have a limited line of sight but when they hug, together they can see 360 degrees. In addition, when they walk for extended periods they get tired, but by hugging, they draw strength from each other. This act is temporary, often lasting for no more than a few seconds, but its impact is more than we imagined.
A study conducted in 2015 by American psychology Sheldon Cohen revealed a lot about hugging. He studied 404 healthy adults who were exposed to the flu virus and he discovered that people who hugged saw a marked improvement in their immunity system. Hugging produces a hormone called “Oxytocin” that boosts immunity which reduces stress. There is an accepted link between an increased risk of catching a cold and a high level of stress.
Students who fail their exams are usually riddled with disappointment and guilt. Amazingly, a simple hug can help restore their self-worth and help them overcome feelings of darkness. Oxytocin is a hormone that is essential for bonding so parents bond with children when they hug. This is what helps them to feel the heart of their parents.
Hugging isn’t hard, but many times it seems painful. Social biases and fears develop when we are disappointed or hurt and it makes closeness difficult. However, hugging can help to heal and thaw cold and wounded hearts. A hug can say what words often can’t express. Many people have challenges with speaking what is in their heart but everyone can hug.
A hug is a standard way to greet an old friend in many cultures. Unfortunately, many of us don’t even hug our own parents. If it has been a while, why not try it. Does your heart feel heavy? Had a rough day? Take your medicine…you need some hug therapy![/text_output][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px”][vc_column fade_animation_offset=”45px” width=”1/1″][vc_raw_html]JTNDc3R5bGUlM0UlMEEuZW50cnktdGh1bWIlMjBpbWclMjAlN0IlMEElMjAlMjAlMjAlMjBtYXgtaGVpZ2h0JTNBJTIwNDAwcHglM0IlMEElN0QlMEElMEEucG9zdC1jb250ZW50JTIwJTdCJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwdGV4dC1hbGlnbiUzQSUyMGp1c3RpZnklM0IlMEElMjAlMjAlMjAlMjB0ZXh0LWp1c3RpZnklM0ElMjBpbnRlci13b3JkJTNCJTBBJTdEJTBBJTNDJTJGc3R5bGUlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]
