- [Narrator] Hello Psych2Goers, welcome back to our channel.
When's the last time you hugged someone?
Whether you realized it or not, that good hug or cuddle
probably came with some great benefits,
besides just making you happy.
So, when are those benefits?
Here are six things cuddling does to you.
Number one.
It helps reduce stress.
Had a stressful day?
Go hug someone.
Give your sibling or a best friend a good old hug
and you made us feel a bit better.
Why?
When we hug or cuddle with someone,
the hormone oxytocin is released.
Oxytocin can help lower levels of anxiety and stress,
making us feel a bit better in the process.
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Two.
It can help your immune system.
While you may not wanna hug someone while you're sick,
you could always hug the people you love in your life often
to help boost your immune system.
As mentioned before,
hugging someone can reduce our stress levels,
making us feel happy.
Feeling loved and safe, which, often happens from sweet hugs
can help our immune system.
Stress, depression, and anxiety
can take a toll on our immune system.
Having a weak immune system
can mean you're more prone to getting an infection.
So go cuddle with a loved one every now and then.
Your immune system will thank you later.
Number three.
It relieves pain.
Need a bit of pain relief?
Oxytocin really has some benefits.
Hugging, once again, releases oxytocin.
Holding someone's hand can make you feel a bit better.
So if you really need some pain relief, try cuddling.
Cuddling is sure to release a lot of oxytocin,
enough to even relieve pain
if not simply distract you from some.
Four.
May help lower the risk of heart disease.
Catherine A Connors,
a holistic therapist and stress management coach
explains in an article from Shape
that, "Hugging, kissing, or more physical acts of touching
"increases oxytocin levels, which is a bonding hormone.
"This chemical reaction can help to reduce blood pressure,
"which in turn reduces the risk of heart disease,
"but it can also help to reduce stress and anxiety."
If your heart has less stress, it may not work as hard.
When we're stressed, our body releases adrenaline,
which means a higher blood pressure and heart rate.
A lotta this can increase one's risk of a heart attack.
So, when you have time, take a deep breath
and ask your loved one for a hug.
Number five.
Improves a mother's bond with a child.
Here we go with oxytocin again.
This hormone has some magical effects.
When a mother cuddles their newborn child,
they receive a boost of oxytocin.
Due to this. she will not only feel happier,
but her stress and anxiety levels will drop
as we learned before.
Skin to skin contact with mother's baby after they're born
can help them bond
and keep both mother and child calm and happy.
And number six, can help reduce social anxiety.
Do you struggle with social anxiety?
Well, it's time for some hugs.
Maybe not the first thing you wanna do
when at a party with a group of strangers,
but if you have a friend who loves to greet people
with a good old hug,
then you may just have an easier time socializing.
Not only can oxytocin make you feel happy,
but your thoughts will be helpful, positive, and hopeful.
This means if your friend hugs you
when they see you at a party,
and as we know, hugging helps release oxytocin,
you made it get a positive boost in your confidence
and view of the event.
Suddenly, this social gathering
doesn't seem to intimidate you as much.
Maybe your stress levels have decreased,
even if it's just for a moment,
which sparks a bit of confidence in you.
So, right before you start the party,
hug a friend or two when you greet them.
You may just feel a bit more confident and happy.
So, will you hug others more often?
Who will be your cuddle buddy?
Share with us in the comments below.
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