About the benefits of hugs

Hugs are much more useful than it may seem at first glance. Research shows that hugging helps people both psychologically and physiologically.

According to Virginia Satir, we need four hugs a day for survival, eight hugs a day for normal functioning, and twelve hugs a day for growth and development.

In the 70s of the XX century, researchers began to study chemicals called endorphins, which were found in the circulatory and nervous systems of humans. Endorphins are morphine-like substances that reduce pain and cause feelings of euphoria.

Research shows that the amount of these natural drugs produced by the brain and nervous system increases when we hug.

Psychologists often say that a modern person lacks physical intimacy with another living being, no matter if it is a native person, a stranger…

...or just a cat.

The absence of such an innocent, asexual contact deprives a person of the joy of being, leads to the fact that a person closes himself in the cage of his personality, loses the sense of intimacy with all humanity and contact with reality.

There is an area of the brain that actively works in response to touching a person's skin. If the child is not hugged enough, then part of his brain atrophies and his immune system suffers.

Hugs in early childhood make us able to love. Children who grow up to 7 years old without hugs may be unable to love others.

They tend to grow up to be psychopaths, sociopaths, i.e. people who are at odds with society and are prone to antisocial behavior, as well as pathologically unfit for life.

Deep research demonstrates this startling discovery. Societies where people don't hug each other enough are becoming more aggressive. A study conducted by the neuropsychologist James William Priscot strongly suggests that children who were not held and cared for have a very high chance of growing up to be murderers.

Hugs bring joy and help both psychologically and physiologically, not only to those who are being hugged, but also to those who are hugging:

- hugs boost the immune system;

- stimulate the central nervous system;

- improve sleep;

- give strength;

- rejuvenate;

- relieve stress;

- increase the amount of oxytocin-a hormone that relieves depression, as well as lowers blood pressure, that is, reduces the risk of heart disease;

- increase the level of hemoglobin, which strengthens the entire body, strengthens the immune system and accelerates recovery from diseases;

- increase self-esteem;

- bring positive emotions;

- relieve internal fears, depression, loneliness.

In the ancient writings of the East, hugs are described as a very important action for any person, having a healing and rejuvenating effect, in which the exchange of male and female energies takes place. All the creatures around us are waiting for our warmth, kindness.

Find a person next to you, snuggle up to him and at least for a couple of seconds stop thinking about what you usually occupy your brain. Immerse yourself in his world, give him your silence, and you will not forget this feeling of mutual warmth and cosmic kindness for a long time.