Is it cold in winter? Let’s hug more! In fact, a hug not only warms the body, it also warms the soul. And this is not a catchy slogan, but a scientific revelation.
21st January is National Hugging Day, which invites us to reflect on the benefits of this simple but increasingly rare gesture.
National Hugging Day was created in 1986 in Clio, Michigan, at the initiative of Kevin Zaborney. Reverend Zaborney, aware of the sadness that characterises this time of year, amidst the end of the festivities and the cold weather, wanted to establish a day that would be an invitation to fill the emotional void of so many people with affection.
The mental and physical benefits of hugging
A healthy mind in a healthy body—and hugging is good for both! In fact, it is a powerful tool for improving mental and physical health, with numerous benefits. “A hug triggers a series of chemical and hormonal reactions in the brain that promote well-being, social bonding and stress reduction”, confirms Stefania Chiappini, a lecturer in psychiatry at UniCamillus University.
Here are some of the positive effects of a hug.
- Improved mood. “Hugging can increase serotonin levels, helping to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression”, explains Chiappini. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter known to promote relaxation and regulate anxiety: a hug increases feelings of well-being and happiness, thanks to the involvement of neurochemicals that reduce the perception of sadness and negative emotions.
- Reduced anxiety. “The physical contact that accompanies a hug stimulates the release of oxytocin—the hormone of love and social bonding—which promotes a sense of trust and emotional attachment, especially between partners, parents and children”, Chiappini continues. Oxytocin lowers heart rate and stress levels by reducing cortisol production: this helps to reduce anxiety, tension and the perception of pain, promoting a state of relaxation and calm. But that’s not all: hugging also stimulates the release of endorphins, “which act as natural painkillers”; increases the activity of the GABAergic system, “which contributes to a calming and relaxing effect on the nervous system”; and can activate the brain’s reward system, “increasing levels of dopamine, which is associated with pleasure and reward mechanisms”.
- Increased self-esteem. The loving contact of a hug activates an empathic response, creating a sense of closeness and acceptance. This physical message of care and affection increases feelings of self-efficacy and self-esteem, creating an emotional connection that fosters positive perceptions of self and abilities.
While rational and defensive adults may be somewhat reluctant to embrace social closeness, children, because of their naturalness, can further benefit from this manifestation of love. Speaking of which, how can we not mention maternal hugs?
The mother’s hug is fundamental to a child’s development as it fosters a deep emotional bond and provides psychological security. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a therapeutic practice that benefits from skin-to-skin contact between infant and mother, similar to the way kangaroos carry their babies in a pouch. This therapy has several scientifically proven benefits. Firstly, skin-to-skin contact stabilises the baby’s body temperature, which is particularly important for premature babies. Kangaroo therapy also stimulates the baby’s neurological and cognitive development, improving motor and cognitive skills. Direct skin-to-skin contact reduces babies’ stress levels, lowers cortisol levels and promotes a state of relaxation, which is essential for emotional well-being. It also helps to improve sleep quality, as the warmth and security of physical contact promotes deeper sleep.
This approach has beneficial effects not only in the immediate but also in the long-term structuring of the babies’ perceptions of the world and themselves..
What happens when there is a ‘lack of hugs’?
The absence of hugs and, more generally, physical contact, can have a profound effect on mental health, highlighting the importance of physical communication for our emotional and psychological wellbeing, regulating stress and promoting emotional stability. “The absence of physical contact can lead to increased levels of cortisol (stress hormone), causing anxiety and tension”, says the expert.
Physical contact also indicates an emotional connection with others, and a gap in this regard could be a symptom of loneliness and poor social network: this can lead to depression or, in the case of the elderly, predispose to cognitive decline. “Hugging helps to regulate emotions, reducing the risk of emotional outbursts or feelings of being overwhelmed”.
However, physical contact is not always beneficial for everyone. “Hugging can be counterproductive for people who have experienced trauma, especially related to the body: in these cases, they may find it intrusive or threatening“, Chiappini explains. In such situations, there is a risk that the contact will be uncomfortable, triggering painful memories and defensive reactions such as flight, fight or block: this demonstrates the importance of respecting the boundaries of others, especially in sensitive contexts.
Finally, some people are naturally or culturally inclined to maintain a greater physical distance. “Greater reluctance is not necessarily harmful, but it can have an impact on emotional life if it prevents social needs from being satisfied”, observes the expert. Cultural factors, personal experiences and specific emotional needs determine how compatible this distance can be with a healthy relational life.