Kisses are lovely. But hugs are fabulous too and I think sometimes we overlook their value. There are many times a hug can happen where a kiss can’t, won’t or shouldn’t. And there are plenty of benefits to hugging too. Not convinced a hug is better than a kiss? Read on to be convinced.
1 Shows You Care
A hug can act like a great big security blanket for its recipient, showing them that you care and that you are there for them.
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When you offer a hug, it's more than just a physical gesture—it's a meaningful signal of support that doesn't demand anything in return. Unlike a kiss, which might sometimes convey romantic intentions, a hug can be a pure expression of platonic love. It spans the gamut from comforting someone in grief to celebrating their success. By wrapping your arms around them, you envelop them in a cocoon of empathy, allowing them to feel seen and understood - without the need for any words. It’s that straightforward simplicity that often makes a hug just what someone needs.
Frequently asked questions
2 Lifts the Spirit
When you hug or are hugged, something called oxytocin, also coined as the cuddle hormone, it released, and it makes us feel all soothed, warm and relaxed!
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Oxytocin isn't just about feeling cozy; it's a magical stress-buster too. Embrace someone, and your body kicks stress to the curb, lowering cortisol and even reducing blood pressure. That's right, girls, a hug can literally soothe your nerves and calm your mind. Imagine, with each gentle squeeze, saying goodbye to that pesky anxiety. And the best part? The benefits aren't just for you. The person you're hugging gets that same fantastic oxytocic rush, doubling the joy. So, go ahead, spread those arms wide and bring on the hugs! 🤗
3 You Can Make Them Linger
The average hug length is roughly ten seconds, but show your ‘hugee’ how much you love them by beating the average and going even longer. Make your hugs last longer than you kisses!
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Holding a hug allows you to create a more profound connection, transporting both you and your huggee into a space of comfort and trust. It's like a silent promise that says, "I'm here for you". During those extended seconds, not only does oxytocin—the love hormone—flow more abundantly through your bodies, but you also share a sense of timelessness that words often fail to capture. The world seems to pause, your breaths synchronize, and for a brief, beautiful moment, you are the only two people that matter.
4 It Helps the Heart
It has been scientifically proven that the act of a great hug can significantly lower a person’s heart rate, which in turn can decrease their risk of several different heart related health problems!
5 Reassurance
There is nothing quite like the comfort and reassurance that a really good hug can give to a person. Something about the intimacy of body contact can be very relaxing and much needed.
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In those moments when words falter and fail to express compassion or understanding, a warm embrace steps in. It silently speaks volumes, conveying empathy and support without uttering a single syllable. The gentle pressure of arms wrapped snugly around you can lift the weight of the world from your shoulders, offering a safe haven from life's storms. It's no surprise that so many long for this simple, yet profound, gesture during tough times—it's the emotional equivalent of a warm blanket on a cold day, soothing the soul and affixing together a heart frayed by life's challenges.
6 You Can Give Them Anywhere
No matter where you are, if you’re out at the mall together or you a making dinner together in the kitchen, the beauty of a hug is that it can be given absolutely anywhere.
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A spontaneous embrace while strolling through the park or a comforting cuddle during a movie can be just as electrifying. Hugs are universal, crossing boundaries of age and culture. Whether it's a quick squeeze of reassurance or a long, lingering clasp, the warmth of a hug is a silent testament to care and affection that doesn't require the perfect setting or moment. It's the on-the-go love language that speaks volumes without uttering a single word.
7 A Self Esteem Boost
The recipient of a hug can often feel a nice boost of self-esteem afterwards, and this is because of the voluntary closeness that they have just experienced with a loved one.
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When we embrace someone, it's a gesture that says, "You're important to me." This sense of acceptance we receive from others can have a profound impact on how we view ourselves. Hugs make us feel valued and supported, and this can help lift our spirits on a bad day or when we doubt our own worth. By simply wrapping our arms around someone, we give them a nonverbal message of love and encouragement that can really make a difference.
8 Natural Stress Relief
It’s a fact that a good, long hug can actually reduce the levels of cortisol in your body, and cortisol is the hormone that triggers amounts of stress.
9 An Acceptable PDA
Unlike other forms of public affection, a hug is pretty much accepted to be given anywhere you want! It’s the perfect public show of support and love without crossing any boundaries.
10 They Get Us through the Day
A study recently showed that people who give or receive more than four hugs a day tend to have much more enjoyable lives. The show of affection helps us through the day.
11 You Can Give Them when Sick!
Unlike a kiss, no bodily fluids are exchanged during a hug, so they are safe to give if you or your loved one is under the weather.
12 There is a Special Hugging Day
National Hug Day is celebrated all over the world on January 21st, so get involved and become one of many huggers on that special day!
13 Improves Communication
Regular hugging can improve your non verbal communication with your loved one, as you start to pick up their body language much better.
14 Mutually Beneficial
All of the benefits I have mentioned so far are received by both the hugger and the ‘hugee’, so a hug literally makes everybody happy!
15 A Graceful for of Intimacy
A hug is one of the most graceful forms of intimacy, giving you more body contact than a kiss but less intrusive if you are not ready for more romance.
16 They Are Non-Sexual
Hugs are the perfect form of affection to show to someone who you like but are not necessarily sexually attracted to. It’s a great half way measure!
17 Make It a Group Activity!
There is nothing quite like a great group hug, whether you are celebrating a birthday or even something like a sporting event, the beauty of a group hug is that you can share the moment with everybody at the same time.
I love to hug. Maybe I have a hugging addiction. Hug anyone? Anyone …?
