We need four hugs a day for survival, we need eight hugs a day for maintenance, we need twelve hugs a day for growth.
Virginia Satir
Brief Introduction
Hugs can make us feel good. They are often used as a way of greeting people and to comfort friends or loved ones when they are sad. When we hug someone we may feel safe and connected with each other. Sometimes words don’t arise and a hug as a non-verbal way of communication is the perfect replacement. Hugs can be brief or lengthy in time turning into a cuddle or ‘cwtch’ as said in the Welsh language.
Hugs and Your Body
The pituitary gland in your brain releases oxytocin when engaged in physical affection. Scientists have nicknamed this the ‘cuddle hormone’ . Oxytocin is known to reduce the stress hormone, cortisol. Dopamine and seratonin are also released having huge positive effects on your immune system.
Whilst not everybody is comfortable with hugging another human there really are awesome benefits. Even cuddling up with your pet or your teddy can create those feelings of a warm safe embrace. Try hugging yourself!
Trust
Through physical contact with others we create trusting relationships. Self esteem and confidence are boosted.
Connecting
As humans we are social interactive beings. By engaging in a hug we connect with each other. We can help people feel less solitary.
Bonding
Newborn babies need to feel safe and secure. By hugging and having physical contact this bond is created.
Duration
Hugs are often brief encounters lasting no more than a few seconds. But the research suggests a good embrace of longer than 20 seconds helps your brain chemistry to get that oxytocin released.
The Space 