Hugging those close to you deeply, even for a few moments, can make life feel easier. A lot of the emotional weight lifts off, and you feel lighter, more refreshed, and more energized. Hugging is an influential physical expression of emotion. Whether it’s from a burst of happiness or a cloud of pent-up sorrow, a hug has the ability to impact your body and mind positively. In fact, it can become a source of strength to move forward in life.
Think of a child who runs to hug their mother after getting amazing exam results, or the angry youth whose frustration melts away instantly with a warm hug from their father. I remember when I felt completely overwhelmed, and my friend just embraced me without saying a single word—it made everything feel bearable. Regardless of a person’s age or mental state, a hug from someone close can be incredibly positive. It’s like a touch of love, a dose of well-being.
Sharmin Haque, a psychologist at Square Hospital in Dhaka, says, “After birth, the first intimate bond between a newborn and its mother forms through hugs and tender touches. At every stage of life, hugs and physical touch are crucial. Hugging is deeply connected to the balance of certain hormones in the body that are responsible for our positive moods and emotions. Through the embrace of a loved one, a person experiences deep tranquility. Hugs help regulate emotions, making one feel good and reducing the intensity of negative emotions.”
It’s not just people—hugging your favorite pet can also provide the same benefits, as long as the animal is comfortable with it. If you share an emotional bond with your pet, then hugging them can be equally essential for your mental and physical health.
Sharmin Haque explains several reasons why you should hug:
1. Relaxes Both Body and Mind
A hug relaxes the body and mind, reducing stress. Maybe you’re stuck with a mountain of work, or maybe you’re continuously being criticized about something. Take a moment to hug someone you love. Of course, it will not reduce your workload or the criticism from others, but the weight on your mind will feel lighter. The burden of anxiety will be eased.
2. Eases Pain and Sadness
Hugging wordlessly shifts emotions. When someone hugs you during hard times, it relieves your pain. I think back to a time when I felt completely hopeless, and all it took was my sister’s hug to restore my strength. Even those who are deeply depressed feel a little better when hugged by someone close to them.
3. Helps with Anger and Disappointment
When someone close to you is angry or disappointed, hugging them can help calm their feelings. You share your positive energy through that simple embrace. I’ve seen my own anger disappear when a close friend hugged me unexpectedly during an argument. The power of a hug is real!
4. Battles Against Loneliness
An embrace reminds you that you’re not alone in this world. Somebody cares about you, and there’s a place for you in someone else’s life. It reinforces your sense of importance, and that feeling of significance can lift your spirit.
5. Boosts Motivation
A hug from someone close can reignite your inspiration and energy for your work. When I’m feeling down or struggling through a tough day, a warm hug from someone I trust makes me feel like I can take on the world again. It helps keep the rhythm of life in check.
6. Improves Sleep Quality
Research shows that hugging your partner or feeling the warmth of physical touch before sleep improves sleep quality. I’ve personally noticed that when I share a hug with my partner before bed, I sleep better and more peacefully.
So, don’t hesitate to hug the people you love. It’s a simple act, but its impact is profound! A hug doesn’t just embrace the body—it touches the heart.
