How Many Hugs Do We Need A Day? Loving Facts For Kids

In a world where wearing a mask has become an essential thing and with all the physical distancing physical contact has almost been forgotten.

We have realized how much physical contact is necessary and the positive impact it has on our minds and body. A hug is a type of physical contact that is used in all situations.

Right from birth, we have been experiencing this. It makes us feel better by boosting our self esteem and self worth. Several science related research state that we need a specific number of hugs a day for growth and survival. This is not medical advice but there is enough evidence to prove the positive effects of hugging. Hugging another person stimulates chemicals and brings out our emotional side. It helps to connect with one another as well as with one's own self. The benefits of hugging are underestimated. Hugs increase the production of oxytocin and help reduce stress. For a healthy survival, we need hugs on a daily basis. Hugs give us emotional support and make us feel strong. Hugging has a positive impact on the health of a person, Even sick people have shown various improvements when given this kind of support. Hugs are not the only form of physical contact. Holding hands or a pat on the back from family members, friends, or partners gives our body a relaxed feeling and offers emotional support. These gestures stimulate hormone responses, which make us feel happy and provides a better mood. To learn more facts about hugs and hugging keep reading and do check out other articles on how is rose gold made and how is sea glass made.

How many hugs do we need a day?

Hugs are free and giving as many as possible is appreciated. Hugging not only benefits the other person but also oneself.

There is no limit to the hugs you give and receive. A family therapist Virginia Satir sets the basic number of hugs one should receive. Numerous research has held the therapist to reach this conclusion. She says that we need four hugs a day for survival, eight hugs a day for maintenance, 12 hugs a day for growth. When children were asked how many hugs they thought were acceptable for a day they said that there is no precise number but it is definitely a lot more than eight

How long should a hug last?

Of course, we do not check our watches while hugging someone. There is no universal rule associated with how long you should hug a person but studies state that hugs are supposed to last a few seconds. This is because the body takes a few seconds to recognize the touch, stimulate hormones and reciprocate the feelings. This cannot be done quickly and will take a few seconds. A friendly hug has to last at least three seconds. A seven second hug is level two. It shows a feeling of sincerity and genuine affection and care. The 20 second hug releases oxytocin. It also has an effect on blood pressure levels and heart rate. It also reduces stress. 20 second hugs along with 10 m hand holdings are said to have an impact on blood pressure. 93 percent of the people who received one hug felt better than usual. Hugs have an effect not just on adults but also on people of all age groups.

The feeling that hugs bring does not just depend on the time but also the type. There are seven types of hugs. The side hug, friendly hug, bear hug, one sided hug, hugging from behind, hugging around the waist, and heart to heart hug. Regardless of the type of hug and the time they always have an effect on people. The side hug is when only the sides of the hip touch. It is more like encouragement rather than showing intimacy. A friendly hug has a decent space between the pelvic bone of the people hugging. It is shorts and lasts for a few seconds. A perfect example is hugging a friend who you have not seen in a while. Hugs from behind are usually romantic and develop a sense of safety and build trust between them. A hug around the waist is a romantic gesture. A bear hug is similar to a friendly hug but there is no space in between the people. An example is hugging your mom or dad. A one sided hug is the most common in pictures. It offers emotional support. Heart to heart hugs are apt for people who are not comfortable with physical contact.

How many hugs a day does a child need?

There is no special limit for a child. A child, being small and young needs a lot of affection and attention. Shower them with all the love and give them as many hugs as possible.

What are the benefits of hugging?

The benefits of hugging are countless. Research has proved that physical contact makes us feel good and also has a positive impact on health. When a person hugs another person a calming sensation is sent to the brain. This offers calmness and makes us feel relaxed.

It is proved that hugs make the relationship between partners better. It brings openness and paves way for honest communication. Hugs also release tension from the body. The production of cortisol, a stress hormone is also reduced while hugging. Hugging a person fulfills their emotional needs. A hug releases oxytocin and increases the oxytocin levels which can help in making the mood better by creating happiness. Long hugs increase serotonin levels, which makes our mood better and also gets rid of sadness or feelings of loneliness. An open hug gives a sense of safety self esteem. The health impacts include immune system strengthening and pain reduction. They connect us with our inner feelings and also indicate that we are there for the other person. In sick people, human touch brings down the fear of death and has decreased mortality rate. With this sort of support improvements observed in sick people were tremendous. It also lowers the chances of falling sick.

Science Behind Hugs

The human brain is a complex organ. It is the mastermind behind all human activities. The skin pressure points. These receptors on the skin are called the Pacinian corpuscles. They are connected to the nervous system. Among all other things that the brain is responsible for tactile sensations play a huge role in stimulating oxytocin. This is also called the cuddle hormone. When the Pacinian corpuscles are dressed they sense a touch. The signal is immediately passed on to the nervous system and it reaches the brain. The brain in turn produces oxytocin, which makes us feel happy. This is how hugging has an effect on health. The cuddle hormone also has an impact on the heart rate and blood pressure of people. Studies suggest that a person who has not been hugged showed an increased heart rate while a person who was hugged was very relaxed and the heart rate was normal.

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