National Hugging Day: How Many Times a Day Do You Need to Cuddle, and Why?
Today, on January 21, the whole world celebrates National Hugging Day. This holiday was created by Kevin Zaborney, an Ambassador of Hugs, who chose a day between Christmas, New Year's Holidays, and Valentine's Day to spread love among people. He believes that many people are embarrassed to hug, and there is a great reason to hug even a stranger.Many people don't even know how hugs affect our bodies. Hugs are an effective and quick cure for stress.
Why Is Hugging so Good?
1. Hormone of Love
The hormone of love is the main hormone produced during the hugging process. It helps us to feel good, to establish contact with loved ones, and also causes a feeling of satisfaction, a decrease in anxiety, and a sense of calm.
2. Strengthening the Immune System
Hugs stimulate the production of hormones that help fight infections and strengthen our immune system. Hugs are especially crucial for children. If a mother always hugs her baby, he/she has active production of oxytocin and endorphin in the body.
3. Painkillers
A large amount of endorphins is released while hugging. Endorphins reduce pain and cause a feeling of euphoria. Scientists explain that the rhythm of partners' brains synchronize in the process of hugging, and this helps people to cope with pain and stress.
4. Strengthening relationships
People often forget how useful and meaningful touches can be. If you come home and don’t stop thinking about work problems after a hard day, you are negatively affecting your relationship. Instead, it's better to spend 10 minutes embracing – it will serve as a brief break from everyday life stress and will also strengthen your relationship.
5. Good Sleep
Oxytocin is secreted by the brain when it’s in a calm state, and this hormone also induces sleep. It resists the effects of cortisol, the hormone of stress, soothes, reduces anxiety, and creates a feeling of peace. Spend 10 minutes in the arms of your loved one, and this will help you sleep soundly.
According to Virginia Satir, an American psychologist and psychotherapist, each person needs four hugs a day for survival, eight for support, and 12 for growth.