A simple hug from a friend or a loved one is powerful enough to uplift your mood when you’re feeling low.
Hugging your loved ones on happy occasions can also double the joy and instills a feeling of confidence. It’s a sign of love and affection towards someone.
Hugging someone has all of these and a lot more health benefits. Read on to know more.
1. Acts as a natural stress reliever
Research states that being hugged by a trusted person can act as an effective means of conveying support. Also, increasing the frequency of hugs can be an effective means of reducing stress.
2. Strengthens your immune system
When you hug someone, the pressure is exerted on the sternum (breastbone) which creates an emotional charge. This activates the plexus chakras which in turn helps the thymus glands. This gland is responsible for regulating the production of white blood cells in the body, keeping you healthy.
3. Burns calories
It’s quite unbelievable but hugging your loved ones can also help you burn around 12 calories. This means that every time you hug someone, you burn calories.
4. Relaxes muscle tension
A hug releases tension in the body by combating pain as well as improving your blood circulation. It even promotes blood flow in the soft tissues which helps in relaxing the tensed muscles.
5. Promotes brain health and memory
A hormone called oxytocin is released into the bloodstream when you hug a loved one. This helps in improving memory power. Not just this, it also stimulates the nervous system which helps you to strike a good balance between activeness and calmness.
6. Lowers blood pressure levels
Whenever you hug someone close to you, the levels of oxytocin rise up. This hormone is very important for reducing cortisol in the body, thereby lowering your blood pressure levels.
