Everyone knows it, when you're in a relationship, you love cuddles.
And when we're single, we miss it.
But did you know that in addition to all the reasons why we love them, hugs can have incredible and positive effects on our health?
Here are the 9 benefits of hugs that you did not know:
Kezako? Oxytocin is actually a magic hormone that does good things like make you happy or make you feel close to others.
This hormone is crucial in a hug, as you will see in the following benefits.
You know when you feel so powerful because you're in love? That's because you're producing loads of oxytocin, and it makes you feel like nothing could stop you.
As a result, you also produce hormones that fight infections. So cool the power of love and happiness, right?
Same principle, it is oxytocin that acts. When you have pain in your neck, you massage it to make the pain go away, and this simple contact makes you produce oxytocin.
So imagine what it feels like when you hug!
While communication is essential, people often forget how important contact is. When you come home stressed and tired, without taking the time to sit down with your significant other, you create tension.
So instead, take at least 10 minutes for a big hug. It will be much more relaxing than anything else (thanks oxytocin!) and will strengthen your relationship.
Even the simplest of contacts can cause us to produce dopamine, a pheromone that increases sexual desire. Then a hug or a massage can achieve more.
And sex has even more power than hugs:it de-stresses, strengthens a relationship and even makes you exercise.
We return to oxytocin, but in the context of birth and breastfeeding. Because not only does this hormone help bring two people together, it works even better between a mother and her baby.
For example, it helps to relax the mother so that breastfeeding is easier, or to help her sleep better.
Oxytocin makes you more positive. So, if you arrive at this party where you only know one person and they give you a hug when they arrive, you will feel much better, instead of staying in your corner. Yes, yes.
Just in case it wasn't clear yet. A hug makes us produce oxytocin, a hormone that makes us feel good, and therefore, prevents us from stress.
You will feel closer to people, more open and more relaxed. Your immune system will be even stronger! No more reason to stress.
Oxytocin strikes again. Less stress also means less tension, so a much lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
The heart is happy and does not struggle against stress; so he stays in excellent health for longer.
A hug is not necessarily between you and your lover. It also works with friends, or even with your cat.
Optionally, you can even give yourself a hug! But we're not sure it works as well.
Have you tried hugs to relax? Let us know in the comments if it worked for you. We can't wait to read you!