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Boosts Oxytocin Levels

Hugging releases oxytocin, commonly known as the "love hormone." This hormone plays a crucial role in bonding and building trust between partners. Higher levels of oxytocin are associated with feelings of contentment and reduced stress (Gouin, J.P., & Carter, C.S., 2012, "Stress and the Social Neuroendocrinology of Relationships: A Marriage of the Fields," Hormones and Behavior).

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Physical touch, such as hugging, can lower cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone. A study published in Psychological Science found that regular hugs from a trusted person can help reduce anxiety and stress, leading to better emotional well-being (Murphy, M.L.M., & Janicki-Deverts, D., 2015, "Receiving a Hug is Associated with the Attenuation of Negative Mood That Occurs on Days with Interpersonal Conflict," Psychological Science). Improves Heart Health

Hugging can also benefit cardiovascular health. Research conducted by the University of North Carolina showed that warm contact between partners, including hugs, can lower blood pressure and heart rates, which are crucial for maintaining heart health (Light, K.C., Grewen, K.M., & Amico, J.A., 2005, "More Frequent Partner Hugs and Higher Oxytocin Levels Are Linked to Lower Blood Pressure and Heart Rate in Premenopausal Women," Biological Psychology).

Enhances Relationship Satisfaction

Frequent physical affection, such as hugging, is linked to higher levels of relationship satisfaction. A study in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships indicated that couples who engage in more physical affection report greater happiness and stronger bonds (Gulledge, A.K., Gulledge, M.H., & Stahmann, R.F., 2003, "Romantic Physical Affection Types and Relationship Satisfaction," Journal of Social and Personal Relationships).

Boosts Immune Function

Oxytocin released during hugging has been shown to have immune-boosting properties. Regular physical affection can enhance the body's ability to fight infections by reducing stress hormones that can weaken the immune system (Turner, R.A., Altemus, M., Enos, T., Cooper, B., & McGuinness, T., 1999, "Preliminary Research on Plasma Oxytocin in Healthy, Normal Cycling Women: Investigating Emotion and Interpersonal Distress," Psychiatry).

Sources:

• Gouin, J.P., & Carter, C.S. (2012). "Stress and the Social Neuroendocrinology of Relationships: A Marriage of the Fields." Hormones and Behavior.

• Murphy, M.L.M., & Janicki-Deverts, D. (2015). "Receiving a Hug is Associated with the Attenuation of Negative Mood That Occurs on Days with Interpersonal Conflict." Psychological Science.

• Light, K.C., Grewen, K.M., & Amico, J.A. (2005). "More Frequent Partner Hugs and Higher Oxytocin Levels Are Linked to Lower Blood Pressure and Heart Rate in Premenopausal Women." Biological Psychology.

• Gulledge, A.K., Gulledge, M.H., & Stahmann, R.F. (2003). "Romantic Physical Affection Types and Relationship Satisfaction." Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.

• Turner, R.A., Altemus, M., Enos, T., Cooper, B., & McGuinness, T. (1999). "Preliminary Research on Plasma Oxytocin in Healthy, Normal Cycling Women: Investigating Emotion and Interpersonal Distress." Psychiatry.