Source: OzielGómez/Stocksnap

9 research-backed reasons why we should all hug more.

We reveal the magical power of the hug.

Most people love hugging — we present 9 reasons why we should all hug more — all backed by research

From the seemingly obvious to the more obscure and technical, BrightVibes is happy to present 9 scientifically-backed reasons to hug and be hugged more.

The Many Benefits of Hugging The benefits of hugging range from lower blood pressure to a decrease in stress hormones. It's no wonder we crave hugs so much! Source: Facebook/BrightVibes

As if you needed any, here are 9 great reasons to spend more time hugging

  1. Hugging induces oxytocin in the body, which fortifies bonds with loved ones and stimulates solidarity between strangers.
  2. Hugs make you happy  — Hugs boost dopamine levels (a.k.a. the pleasure hormone) and make us happier. It can even help ward off depression.
  3. Hugs lower stress  — Hugs decrease the stress hormone cortisol. Next time you feel stressed, just hug it off. A cuddle decreases cortisol levels, melting away stress and tension.
  4. Hugs reduce the worry of mortality — Research found that hugging helps soothe our existential fears, and helps us to embrace life.
  5. Hugs lower our blood pressure — Collecting hugs is excellent for your ticker, in more ways than one!

Sources: simply click on any highlighted text to see original source of that particular statement.

You never know what someone might be going through. A good, sincere hug has the potential to completely alter someone’s day.
Any excuse for a hug is a good excuse — but these have the backing of science! You never know what someone might be going through. A good, sincere hug has the potential to completely alter someone’s day. Source: Freestocks.org/Stocksnap

As if you needed nine reasons to hug — 9 reasons continued

  6.  Hugs are a reciprocal good deed**  — You never know what someone might be going through. A good, sincere hug has the potential to completely alter someone’s day.

  7.  Hugging feels incredible** — The power of human touch is profound, and our bodies are filled with nerves ready for stimulation. Hugging makes us feel appreciated and understood, and encourages open and honest communication.

  8.  Hugs make us feel less lonely — Hugging causes the brain to release serotonin, creating pleasure and negating feelings of loneliness.

  9.  Hugs relieve pain — Hugging releases endorphins, which relieve pain by blocking pain pathways and soothe aches by increasing circulation to soft tissues.

Sources: simply click on any highlighted text to see original source of that particular statement.

** Common Sense

The power of human touch is profound, and our bodies are filled with nerves ready for stimulation. Hugging makes us feel appreciated and understood, and encourages open and honest communication.
Hugging feels incredible! The power of human touch is profound, and our bodies are filled with nerves ready for stimulation. Hugging makes us feel appreciated and understood, and encourages open and honest communication. Source: ChristianaRivers/Stocksnap
No words, no advice, just a hug to make you feel you matter.
Sometimes in life we just need a hug: No words, no advice, just a hug to make you feel you matter. Source: Facebook/BrightVibes
“A hug is a great gift, one size fits all.” Source: Facebook/BrightVibes

Send your friends a hug!

Tag them below and comment why you want to hug them.

5 Simple Ways to Hug (With Pictures)

How to Hug: Hugs are a great way to express affection. Hugging shows that you care about a person and that you support that person through good times and bad. However, you want to hug your crush or your lover differently than you hug a friend or family member. Read on for some tips on the best ways to hug the people that you care about.

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