There are two types of people in this world. Those who are huggers, and those who aren’t. Which are you???

Its completely up to you which camp you fall into, there’s no judgement here. However, according to science, hugging is really really good for your health. Virginia Satir once said…

We need four hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.

1. Hugging helps you share your feelings when you don’t have the words

As we know, most of our communication is non-verbal, and we’re not even aware of it. “Touch is the first of our senses to develop in the womb and reaches maturity well before the other senses do,” says psychologist Danielle Forshee, PsyD. Danielle reckons that hugging contributes to our emotional well being.

2. Hugs can protect you from some stress-related illnesses

According to this study, when players show physical comradery (hugging etc), they perform better. The teams that are the touchiest, perform better and win more than those who don’t.

Another study found that people who perform or speak in public are a lot more relaxed after a 20 second hug from their partner. Cute!

4. Hugs reduce your stress hormones and increase your happy hormones

Cortisole is the dodgy hormone which causes your stress and anxiety levels to rise. Apparently, a hug or a friendly touch can reduce the effects of cortisole on how we feel.

Oxytocin, or the “happy hormone” is important, as it helps us to create positive relationships based on the bond we share with those who make us feel good, safe, or special. Hugging releases oxytocins in your brain naturally, helping us to feel closer to our huggee.

5. Hugging can help relieve pain

Fahad Basheer, MD, writes that hugging can help reduce physical pain by releasing endorphins, which block pain pathways and by improving our circulation.

6. Hugging can help solve your squabbles

This recent study found that hugging after an argument or “heated debate” can stop us leaving with feelings of negativity towards that person. So a quick hug can help to save the relationship or friendship before you get to stew on it for too long.

So there you have it. We’re officially team hugs here at Shona.

Y’know, for health reasons 😊😊😊😊😊😊