Cuddling releases "feel good" hormones
When we touch – cuddle, hug, or holding hands – our bodies release “feel good” hormones. These hormones include oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. Once the hormones are released into our bodies we experience feelings of happiness, relaxation, improve mood, and lower levels of depression. Not too bad, right?
It makes sense that when we're feeling down a hug can often help lighten our feelings. There's also research that suggests hugging or cuddling for more than six seconds oxytocin and serotonin are released at maximum levels.
Cuddling can boost your immune system
You're heard the phrase, 'When we’re happy, we’re healthy'. It's true! When we’re happy we release optimum levels of serotonin and oxytocin and serotonin has also been linked to immune system improvement.
Beyond the science of hormones, if we’re hugging or cuddling with someone, it’s probably a person we care for. These people should generally makes us happy. When we feel happy and cared for we feel safe and excited about the future, which helps reduce stress and depression which can lead to a weak immune system. Take a moment to give someone a hug and give them an immune system boost.
Cuddling reduces stress
Having a rough day? Maybe feeling down in the dumps? You might just need a hug.
Does this scenario: you have a bad day -> you see a friend -> friend says, “you look like you need a hug.” -> you say, “yes I do.” -> your friend gives you hug.
Now enter the science: oxytocin is release and stress levels lower as well as level of anxiety. Day begins to get better.
Sound familiar? If it doesn’t, you might need a hug.
Cuddling creates better relationships
In the book, “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman, he identifies physical touch has one of five ways that we express love or want love to be expressed to us. For many, it’s more important than words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts or spending quality time together. Those folks who consider themselves “cuddlers” have identified their love language! It’s vital for them to get this need met in order to feel loved and accepted. While receiving physical touch by people closest to us is ideal, it can also be enhanced with pets who can also be great “cuddlers”.
Cuddling improves a mother and child's bond
When mothers have a new baby,oxytocin is the hormone that's released into the blood stream to release breast milk. Not only does the baby induce the release of oxytocin, but since the mother is cuddling baby, she is also receiving oxytocin emotions of stress reduction, anxiety reduction, and feelings of happiness. This is very important for both mom and baby. Skin-to-skin touchright after a baby is delivered and in the hours and days following the delivery is a wonderful way to bond with your child.
Cuddling and hugging have important health benefits. Do yourself a favor, and hug someone you love today and everyday.
FAQs
What are the benefits of hugging and cuddling? ›
When we touch – cuddle, hug, or holding hands – our bodies release “feel good” hormones. These hormones include oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. Once the hormones are released into our bodies we experience feelings of happiness, relaxation, improve mood, and lower levels of depression.
Are hugs important for health? ›Studies show that hugs and other physical connections reduce levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, in the body. High levels of stress hormones can cause a whole host of health issues including sleep problems, skin problems, obesity, low immunity, and more. Hugging Improves Heart Health.
Why are hugs so healing? ›Hugs instantly boost oxytocin levels, which heal feelings of loneliness, isolation, and anger. Holding a hug for an extended time lifts serotonin levels, elevating mood. Hugs strengthen the immune system. The gentle pressure on the sternum and the emotional charge this creates activates the solar plexus chakra.
Why does cuddling make you feel safe? ›Touch stimulates oxytocin, which makes you feel safe.
Oxytocin is often called “the cuddle chemical” or “the love hormone” and it's useful to know how it works in animals. Oxytocin rewards a gazelle, for example, when it has the safety of a herd, and a baboon when it grooms the fur of a troop mate.
Hugging for Longer Periods of Time is Better for the Body
When people hug for 20 seconds or more, the feel-good hormone oxytocin is released which creates a stronger bond and connection between the huggers. Oxytocin has been shown to boost the immune system and reduce stress.
Hugs release oxytocin
Oxytocin is often called the “love hormone,” and it's released when we cuddle or bond. It's the reason why being hugged feels so good. So when you're feeling down, give someone a squeeze and feel your mood lift.
As author and family therapist Virginia Satir once said, “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth”.
Why do tight hugs feel so good? ›Hugging often creates a feeling of calmness and relaxation. That's because of oxytocin, which is sometimes called the "cuddle hormone." Oxytocin is released when people or pets snuggle up or bond socially. This release can have a domino effect throughout the body and has been found to: Reduce inflammation.
Do hugs have healing power? ›Oxytocin causes a reduction in blood pressure and of the stress hormone norepinephrine. One study found that the positive benefits of oxytocin were strongest in women who had better relationships and more frequent hugs with their romantic partner.
Does cuddling create intimacy? ›Yes. Cuddling, like all touch, can be a form of intimacy. “Cuddling is an excellent way to express physical intimacy and affection in a relationship,” says St. John.
What is the power of a hug? ›
Hugging helps lower our stress throughout the day.
Like so many other unseen benefits, this all goes back to good ol' hormones. Some researchers believe that hugging and other interpersonal touch can boost a hormone called oxytocin and also affect our endogenous opioid system.
According to a new study, the culprit is our old friend oxytocin, a.k.a. the "love hormone." Its levels shoot up whenever we make physical contact with someone important to us. It's widely understood that its reward system plays a crucial role in deepening the bond between two lovers.
What happens if you don't get hugs? ›When you don't get enough physical touch, you can become stressed, anxious, or depressed. As a response to stress, your body makes a hormone called cortisol. This can cause your heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, and breathing rate to go up, with bad effects for your immune and digestive systems.
How many hugs a day is good for you? ›Hanning described findings that four hugs per day was an antidote for depression, eight hugs per day would achieve mental stability and twelve hugs per day would achieve real psychological growth.
How many hugs does a person need daily? ›Are you getting enough hugs? Virginia Satir, a world-renowned family therapist, is famous for saying “We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.”
What hormone does cuddling release? ›“Sometimes called the “cuddle hormone” or “feel-good hormone,” oxytocin is produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland when we're physically affectionate, producing what some describe as warm fuzzies – feelings of connection, bonding, and trust,” said Paula S.
Why do I crave hugs? ›Hugs Increase Well-Being
Being hugged uplifts our mood. If you are feeling isolated or are going through a rough time, a hug releases endorphins. Endorphins are the body's natural pain relievers. These neurotransmitters increase our feelings of pleasure.
In the few reported studies on cuddling in committed romantic relationships, the average amount of time spent cuddling is about 30-40 minutes and occurs 3 to 5 times a week. Couples will typically cuddle in bed pre- and post-sex, as well as in the mornings.
Does hugging someone create a bond? ›Hugging causes the brain to release oxytocin, the hormone that increases human bonding. Here's why it's so important. The oxytocin released by hugging increases trust, loyalty and feelings of closeness, which is why physical contact in relationships is so important.
Which hug is more intimate? ›A hug at the waist
A hug at the waist is indeed one of the most romantic and intimate types of hugs! A hug at the waist brings one partner below the shoulders of the other, down and closer to the stomach during this embrace.
What happens when you hug someone for a long time? ›
When we reach out, a chemical called oxytocin — also dubbed the “love hormone” — kicks in and makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside. The effects of a warm embrace can linger long after the hug: Oxytocin promotes feelings of trust, nurturing, and calm. A hug can even improve your physiological stability.
What are the benefits of hugging a woman? ›When you hug, touch, or sit close to someone you love, your body releases oxytocin, which scientists call the “cuddle hormone.” This hormone can help relax and lower anxiety, which in turn can effectively lower blood pressure. It boosts heart health.
How often should a husband hug his wife? ›You should hug your spouse each and every day as an act of showing your love to them. Giving a hug is one of the simplest way to show your love. Anytime, anywhere a hug can is a healthy reminder to your spouse of why you love them so much.
What does hugging for 30 seconds do? ›When people hug for 20 seconds or more, the feel-good hormone oxytocin is released which creates a stronger bond and connection between the huggers. Oxytocin has been shown to boost the immune system and reduce stress.
Do guys get attached after cuddling? ›However, men seek physical closeness just as much as women do, and many men like the sensation of being snuggled. A good cuddle is comfortable, relaxing, and provides a chance to be simple. So yes, while every man is different, most men enjoy feeling close to someone in the form of being held.
When a guy rubs your lower back while hugging? ›This affectionate gesture signifies that your guy cares deeply about you. "The back is a very vulnerable part of the body," Wood says. "You can't see your back, so being touched there can be startling." Softly rubbing you on such an exposed zone shows that he wants to nurture and protect you.
What does it mean when a guy squeezes you while hugging? ›This is a romantic gesture that means he likes you. It's one of the more fun types of hugs that means he has feelings for you, and he's happy to see you. Typically, with this embrace, it happens in real life just like it does in the movies.
Do hugs cure anxiety? ›Reduces Stress and Anxiety
A good hug slows down the heart rate and decreases the level of the stress hormone, cortisol, in our bodies. In turn, hugging makes us feel calm, safe, and relaxed. The less reactive we are to stress, the better we are at regulating our emotions.
Hugging someone you love for 20 seconds a day is the key to alleviating stress and beating burnout, according to a new book. A lingering embrace releases the bonding hormone oxytocin, which can lower your blood pressure, slow your heart rate and improve your mood.
Are hugs good for the soul? ›For all those who are awkward, queasy and rolling their eyes giving hugs, consider this- Hugging is scientifically proved to be extremely powerful and effective in healing loneliness, depression, anxiety and stress, by boosting Oxytocin levels in the body.
How do you know a man is falling in love with you? ›
When he's falling in love, everything is likely to become about her. He can't stop thinking about her and would rather be spending time with her than doing anything else. He may feel scared about the relationship and where it's headed, or he might just have a comfortable feeling about the entire thing.
What does cuddling mean to guys? ›"Cuddling, especially with someone you like, gives you a sense of closeness and relaxed intimacy that's difficult to find in other activities. If you feel comfortable with the other person, it kind of just let's you relax and not have to do much physically.
What does cuddling mean to a woman? ›For girls, cuddling means reassurance from their boyfriend that they are safe and can let their guard down. Cuddling also provides happiness due to the release of the hormone oxytocin. When the girl cuddles up, there is a release of a chemical called oxytocin in the brain.
What can a hug tell you? ›Hugs are an essential form of physical touch that humans rely on from the moment they're born throughout the rest of their lives. Depending on the type hug, it can be a sign of romantic intimacy, security, emotional support, friendship, or love.
Is a hug intimacy? ›Hugging is one of the most basic forms of intimacy within all types of relationships. It can be shared to celebrate joy or comfort sadness. Along with hugging, there are many other ways people can be intimate with one another.
How healthy is cuddling? ›Health benefits of cuddling
Biologically, it balances our body and helps us feel safe. It reduces cortisol levels: Cortisol is a stress hormone that helps us function in fight of flight. Chronic stress creates high cortisol levels. It releases oxytocin: Oxytocin is known as the “love hormone”.
While many people consider oxytocin to be a female reproductive hormone (oxytocin is derived from the Greek terms meaning “quick birth”) and it is often referred as the “love hormone”, it is reported that, in men, the plasma oxytocin level importantly increases after ejaculation [19,20].
Does cuddling increase attraction? ›They said that touching their female partner in what began in a nonsexual way fueled their desire to take things to the next level. In both cases, however, cuddling seems to be described as a desire enhancer, not a dampener.
What does 7 second hug mean? ›A 'seven second hug' takes you to level two – it's a sincere, genuine transaction of love and care. Level three is the 'run up hug' – a euphoric, outburst of affection.
What does a 10 second hug do? ›Hugging for just 10 seconds can increase feel-good hormones like oxytocin, which causes stress chemicals like cortisol to drop and help lower your blood pressure. A study by Dr. Jan Astrom shows giving or getting a hug has positive effects.
How many hugs needed a day? ›
As author and family therapist Virginia Satir once said, “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth”.
How many times a day does a woman need to be hugged? ›How many hugs do we need? Family therapist 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.” While that may sound like a lot of hugs, it seems that many hugs are better than not enough.
What are 4 significant physical benefits of hugging? ›Some of the neurochemicals include the hormone oxytocin, which plays an important role in social bonding, slows down heart rate, and reduces stress and anxiety levels. The release of endorphins in the brain's reward pathways supports the immediate feelings of pleasure and well-being derived from a hug or caress.
How powerful can a hug be? ›Hugs are more than just a friendly greeting — they can be a surprisingly powerful health booster. According to research conducted by Medicine Net, hugging releases feel-good hormones such as dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin — a love hormone which helps to relieve stress and boost heart health.
What hormone is released when hugging? ›“Sometimes called the “cuddle hormone” or “feel-good hormone,” oxytocin is produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland when we're physically affectionate, producing what some describe as warm fuzzies – feelings of connection, bonding, and trust,” said Paula S.
What does it mean when a girl kisses your neck while hugging? ›Neck Kiss
Not to be confused with a hickey, a neck kiss is more of a peck than a deep kiss. This is a playful kiss meant to let your partner know how much you care for them.
Research suggests that frequent hugging in interpersonal relationships was associated with higher levels of oxytocin, which is often referred to as the “love hormone.” An increase in oxytocin is thus associated with a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure.