The Science of Hugs: Nature’s Tranquility Booster

Scientists, doctors and moms tell us that we should receive at least three hugs a day. While we may know that the perfect hug, delivered at the optimal time by the right person (or anytime by anyone, if you’re a “hugger” by nature), can feel good, there’s considerable science behind the deeper benefits that has everything to do with the electro-chemical marvel of being in human form.

Hugs release an important hormone called Oxytocin. Among other benefits, Oxytocin relieves anxiety, lowers blood pressure and helps us feel calm, centered and better connected to the world around us.

Hugs, and the Oxytocin they release, are so important that without them, our brains and bodies fail to develop properly and we become ill and malnourished. Studies have shown that babies who don’t receive sufficient compassionate touch are 78% less likely to survive infancy.

One of the great things about hugs is that when you give one you also get one. A completely free, big-time win-win in which everyone involved truly benefits!

Because people and cultures vary in their individual boundaries concerning physical contact, it’s always good to ask permission before giving a hug. Even someone you are close to and have hugged many times, may find themselves in a place where a hug just doesn’t feel comfortable.

Once you have the all clear, HUG AWAY! It’s easy to do and fun to practice. With just a little effort, you can be a super hugger, appreciated by those whose lives you touch with hope, possibilities and empowerment as you foster the flow of Nature’s tranquility booster—Oxytocin—in the world around you!

If you find yourself in need of a hug, ask for one! It’s a great example of caring enough about yourself to pay attention to what you are feeling and then taking action to support your optimal functioning in each moment.

Like many of the best things in life, to reap the full benefits, you need to actually do it, not just read about it. So, quit reading this blog, walk away from the computer screen and GO HUG SOMEONE!

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About djwlifecoach

As a retired board-certified coach, author and Reiki master teacher, I continue to share hope, possibilities and empowerment with the world. What's love got to do with minimizing stress and getting unstuck? Everything! My book, "Choose Your Energy: Change Your Life!" (Hay House/Balboa Press 2013) shares my story and the stories of 10 of my clients along with my signature Discovery Framework. During my 30 years as an organization transformation consultant, I served as a senior partner in four of the world's largest, most prestigious global professional services firms. In 2005, I took a five-year sabbatical to find healing and peace because non-stop work had taken its toll. My recovery from burnout, including a sustained 80-pound weight loss and freedom from 10 years of debilitating depression, led to finding my purpose sharing hope, possibilities and empowerment with the world. Through healing and self-exploration, I discovered that loving yourself unconditionally is the key to transforming your personal life, your work and the world. With attention and intention, I learned to live in alignment with love through a wealth of energy-shifting tools and techniques that help me reduce stress, anxiety and overwhelm by releasing limiting beliefs, emotions and habits. My books, blog and radio episodes help individuals and organizations harness the transformative energy of love to turn unexplored possibilities into fulfilling realities and step into their greatness. Learn more and access FREE resources at djwlifecoach.blog. For fun, I love singing, reading, sewing, knitting, golfing and movies. I live in Williamsburg, Virginia with my husband, Wilson, and the coaching cats who manage my life—SiddhaLee and Maisy Jane.

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