“We need 4 hugs a day for survival.
We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance.
We need 12 hugs a day for growth.“
– Virginia Satir

1. // Hugging is the body’s most succinct way to release oxytocin, aka our “love hormone” or “cuddle hormone.”

2. // Hugging for at least six seconds on the regular boosts our physical, emotional and mental health due to said love hormone release. 💪

3. // Hugging has immediate impact — right away, it lowers your heart rate.

4. // Studies have shown women who were hugged regularly by their main squeezes showed lower blood pressure levels.

5. // Hugging tells the brain “everything is all right.”

6. // A solid hug can ease up on any depression you might be feeling.

7. // It can also help you feel less tired.

8. // Hugging builds trust between people in a way words just can’t.

9. // The biochemical and physiological reactions hugs produce can even boost your immune system.

10. // Oxytocin is unique to mammals and builds build our mortality.

11. // A hug is processed by the central nervous system to make us feel happiness and joy.

12. // A full-body hug decreases feelings of loneliness, combats fear, increases self-esteem and diffuses tension.

13. // Children who aren’t hugged have delays in walking, talking and reading.

14. // Having more hugs = a better ability to handle life’s stress.

15. // The oxytocin in hugs helps us encode and remember positive feelings. This can impact our perception of the world and allow us to pick up on positive things we normally overlook.

16. // Hugs have a positive influence on inflammation and wound healing.

17. // Hugging cultivates patience.

18. // Hugging increases empathy and understanding.

19. // Hugging may help your body produce white blood cells.

20. // Hugging balances out your nervous system.

21. // Hugging helps you bond with your hug buddy.

22. // Hugging just makes you happier!

Those Crazy Things You Do …

Strange(ish) things people do while high on oxytocin (don’t worry — this was all under the supervision of professionals):

Give away their money — In one study, participants who were given 10 bucks by researchers were asked to give some of it away to strangers. Participants who had been dosed with oxytocin were 80% more generous … to complete strangers.

In Need of Hug 🐣

When we don’t have enough oxytocin — well that’s just sadness. 😔

One third of people say they receive no hugs on a daily basis.

75% of people say they want more hugs.

What to Do 🤔 

Start hugging the ones you love with all your heart ♥️ — turns out this little cuddle moment isn’t so little after all.

“Thank you for boosting my immune system, decreasing my cortisol levels and enhancing my capacity for empathy all within this magical six seconds. I feel much better now.”

#morningmischief

Here’s where we got the factoids 🔎 📚

Positive Psychology News: Oxytocin, Go Out And Touch Someone

Fun Facts About Hugging

TED Talk by Paul Zak, Trust, Morality — and Oxytocin?

11 Benefits of Hugging — Backed by Chemistry