Yes, there is actually a day -- January 21st, to be exact! -- set aside to promote hugging! The holiday was originally started to help boost people's spirits during that dreary lull between Christmas and Valentine's day. It may seem silly, but did you know that hugging is good for your health?
Human contact has been shown to benefit health and to improve psychological and physical development -- that's why it's important to hug your kids everyday! Hugging also can help to build a strong immune system, to decrease the risk of heart problems, such as heart disease, and to decrease the level of the stress hormone cortisol in women.
A hug lasting for 20 seconds decreases stress hormones (cortisol) and increases the hormone oxytocin, which can be thought of as the "bonding hormone," that makes people feel a more meaningful connection to each other. Increased levels of oxytocin are related to lower blood pressure, lower stress, and improved sleep patterns.
Now, we're not suggesting that you just start going up to whomever you seeing and giving them a big bear hug! But if you hug those important people in your life that you are the most close to, you all will end up feeling better! So make sure that you give your loved ones an extra long hug today -- and maybe everyday from now on! You only have your health to gain!
Please enjoy an air hug from us at Jacques Dentistry!
