The power of a hug for growth, health and happiness

Hugs have been a part of being human for many thousands of years. They offer comfort and healing. Even recent studies have shown the power of hugs. Grewen, KM, et al. (2005) showed that when couples engage in 10-minute hugs, the kind that is deep, affectionate, and loving. The study found that oxytocin was released, leading to a sense of calm, satisfaction, and reduced stress. This is the hormone that binds relationships. In addition, the stress hormone cortisol was reduced.

Years ago, Lee Shapiro (aka: the hugging judge), he used to go around giving hugs because he realized the power of hugs. It also helps in growth and self-esteem. Healing through hugs will also happen. I remember reading a study about how animals that had no physical contact when they were young ended up with deep emotional problems as adults and withdrawn.

“We need 4 hugs a day to survive. We need 8 hugs a day to stay alive. We need 12 hugs a day to grow.”-Virginia Satyr

I would follow Virginia Satir’s advice and start giving at least 8 hugs a day. If you have kids make sure you go for 12 or more. It is vital and helps to develop a stable and secure mindset. Later in the study, blood pressure was found to also drop.

I realize that many in the United States consider hugging taboo. And yet, we know the health implications of not hugging. My own family grew up without hugging. It’s understandable since my mother was from Japan and my father grew up in the Ozarks. I went from not hugging to becoming a lot like Lee Shapiro, giving hugs wherever I go.

Some cultures tend to embrace strongly, such as those of Latin cultures (Latin America, Mediterranean, France, etc…). Many Eastern and some Western cultures are low on the hugging scale.

Here are some suggestions regarding hugs:

· A good hug of at least 20 seconds will make our whole being good. This is the right time period to release oxytocin. Make the hug heart to heart.

· Give hugs often. This will help establish a bond in relationships. That includes in all relationships. Space your hugs throughout the day. Go for 12 hugs every day.

· Add a smile when you give a hug. This implies that you are doing it willingly and will help the person you are giving it to feel comfortable and happy.

· Hugs are the ultimate stress buster. When you hug someone, you will both benefit from the reduction in cortisol and norepinephrine. This is especially true in women.

· Be culturally aware about giving hugs. Some will not respond and can be removed. Others will be against it from a religious point of view. And still others may have had a traumatic event and a hug can trigger it.

· Children especially need hugs. Give it to them. Parents really need to cuddle to help develop a healthy and happy child as well as an adult. In a Greek study, babies who were never touched died of a disease called marasmus. It is essentially a muscle/protein wasting disease. Children in orphanages in Eastern Europe who weren’t hugged and left alone ended up with a major behavior problem on top of being violent.

I wish you the best as you begin your journey of hugs to health, growth, and happiness. Your relationships will improve in addition to helping those around you. By the way, January 21 is National Hugging Day.