Heart-Healthy Hugs

Hugging is not only good for the soul - it helps our bodies as well! Hugs encourage our energy levels to rise and our hearts and respiration rates to slow, lowering stress levels and obtaining a calmer and happier state of being. Oxytocin, AKA the cuddle or bonding hormone, tends to be released when we have physical contact with someone we care about, and is known to increase our levels of serotonin and dopamine, other hormones that help us feel calm and content.

While there are different ways to hug someone, aim for a "heart hug". This is where you align your heart to the heart of your hugging partner by placing your left arm over their right shoulder, and your right arm under their left arm. But no matter how you like to hug, research shows that it's more about the timing. While hugging at least 2 seconds long is beneficial, hugs lasting at least 6-10 seconds prove to provide the most stress relief.

No one around at the moment to hug, or not into hugging others? Try this self-hug!

A basic form of havening, this method generates calm by soothing our skin. To do this, place the palms of your hands on your opposite shoulders. Squeeze your shoulders and rub your hands slowly down to your elbows and up again. Pay attention to your breathing and focus on pleasant imagery as you repeat these motions. You can also slowly rub or squeeze your palms together as you focus on your breath and images.

However and whoever we decide to hug, one thing is clear: there are powerful benefits to giving and receiving hugs, and it is a practice we should include in our regular self-care.