Do You Miss Hugs?
December 8, 2020
Not everyone is a hugger. Hugs can feel awkward or uncomfortable for some people.
At the same time, hugging can be essential for humans. Hugs can reduce stress by calming our sympathetic nervous system; they can make us feel safe, loved and not alone.
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Research has shown that hugs can lower our cortisol levels during stressful situations, and can raise oxytocin levels and maybe even lower our blood pressure. A 2015 paper published in Psychological Science even found that study subjects who got more hugs were less likely to get sick when exposed to a cold virus than those who weren’t hugged as often.
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Read the whole story (subscription may be required): The New York Times
