International Hug Day is celebrated every year on January 21. It was established by the American Reverend Kevin Zabomey. The aim is to encourage family members and friends to hug for just a few seconds. In fact, this display of affection is said to promote the secretion of oxytocin, a hormone that is good for health and morale. In the next few lines, we’ll tell you all about the benefits of cuddling.
Origins: why International Cuddle Day?
International Cuddle Day was introduced in 1986 by Reverend Kevin Zaborney, who noticed a drop in morale among his parishioners between the end of the festive season and Valentine’s Day. The reverend therefore asked his parishioners to create fraternal bonds by hugging for a few seconds. According to him, this sign of tenderness is the equivalent of a thousand words. What’s more, hugging promotes the secretion of oxytocin, the love hormone that has beneficial effects on physical and moral health.
Since then, every January 21, men and women have been walking around public places proudly displaying “free hugs” signs. These friendly initiatives are widespread in English-speaking countries. In France, they don’t really find an audience. Which is a pity, because these moments of cuddling are good for the body and the spirit.
Cuddling to combat stress
Clinical psychologist Céline Rivière explains in her book Cuddle Therapy that touch is instinctive. She explains that it is an extremely powerful means of non-verbal communication. She reminds us that by shaking hands, hugging and caressing, we show our sympathy and understanding, and reassure.
Indeed, when under stress, a hug instantly relieves the pressure. Surprising as it may seem, human contact reduces blood pressure and slows the heart rate, while promoting the production of endorphins, the feel-good hormone. Remember to ask for a hug as a matter of urgency, the next time you feel anxiety rising.
The benefits of cuddling, for all ages
There’s no age limit to cuddling, we agree. It’s also a well-known fact that cuddling a baby from an early age is essential for his future emotional balance. This helps them to grow up properly and to combat stress. Seniors, who are the most vulnerable, are also very sensitive to physical contact. To establish a bond of closeness and put a smile back on someone’s face, a hug, a handshake or even a smile is sometimes all that’s needed. So don’t hesitate to hug and kiss the children and elderly people around you.
Hugs are good for your health
Did you know that touching strengthens our antibodies and improves our resistance to winter viruses? Studies have shown that cuddling for 5 to 10 minutes a day boosts the immune system and helps combat certain cardiovascular diseases.
Cuddling facilitates communication
When we’re going through a very emotional time, whether it’s a happy event, an argument, an illness or the loss of a loved one, words aren’t enough to express our feelings. A hug is a very effective non-verbal communication tool in such cases. Although it doesn’t commit us to much, it can mean so much to the person receiving it. So get up from your screens as often as you can and take care of your loved ones. Note that you don’t have to wait until January 21 to embrace your loved ones within the limits of consent.
Which hormones come out of a hug?
Endorphins, also known as happy hormones, have an anxiolytic and relaxing effect. When you cuddle, your brain secretes endorphins, just as it does when you do sports, which will give your whole body a feeling of well-being.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter. It’s a small molecule that transmits information between neurons. This pleasure hormone leaves us in a state of well-being when we cuddle.
Also known as the happy hormone,oxytocin is stimulated by physical contact, which is why it’s sometimes referred to as the cuddle hormone.Oxytocin receptors can be triggered by touch, a kiss, affectionate words or a hand on the shoulder. A signal is then transmitted to the cerebral cortex, allowing us to benefit from its positive effects.
3 health benefits of cuddling
Prevents loneliness
Cuddling helps toward off loneliness, as it is said to counteract emotional emptiness. In fact, it’s possible to fill up on tenderness and ward off loneliness at the same time by hugging someone. It’s well worth the effort, although this gesture requires a physical closeness that not everyone is capable of offering.
Longer life expectancy
Apart from the fact that cuddling makes you happier, reduces stress and anxiety and boosts self-confidence, it also contributes to life expectancy. They reduce the risk of blood pressure problems, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as depression.
Hugs as a painkiller
Whether you’re injured, have menstrual cramps or a headache, a cuddle is an effective way to soothe your pain. While hugs are no substitute for a painkiller, they do help to balance the nervous system. The mix of hormones will soothe and relax the body, gradually reducing the painful sensation.
Note that the human being needs 12 cuddles a day – we’re not the ones who say so. It’s the American psychotherapist Virginia Satir, “We need four hugs a day to survive. We need eight to function.” According to the University of London, to enjoy the benefits of cuddling, 5 and 10 seconds would be enough. If you don’t have anyone to snuggle up to, there’s another way to reap the benefits of cuddling. You can hug a cousin or a cuddly toy. According to a study by Bristol University in the UK, hugging a cushion stimulates breathing and is good for reducing anxiety.
