How 20 seconds of hugs affect the body
In a period of limited contact and adherence to social distance, people lack intimacy, touch and hugs. Scientists have figured out how hugs can affect the human body.
According to a study by the American Psychosomatic Society, it takes just 20 seconds to cuddle for a rise of oxytocin levels in blood.
The level of trust and sympathy increases while hugging and a person feels calm and safe. This has a beneficial effect on both mental and physical well-being. At such moments the so-called «hormones of happiness» start to be produced. For example, oxytocin has a sedative effect, fights stress, and strengthens relationships.
Although you can hug not only people. For example, at the University of Shevde (Sweden), claims that we can hug pets, for example dogs.
German neurologist Sebastian von Berg generally recommends hugging with trees. “It may sound funny and strange, but once you try it, you will realize how pleasant it is,” he says.
Scientists from the University of Toho (Japan), observing the pulse of newborns, found that a strong father's hug perfectly calms both children and parents.
Biopsychologist Sebastian Oaklenburg from Germany is working with colleagues to study whether the emotional context affects how a person cuddles.
“After observing many meetings at the airport, we made the following conclusion: if feelings prevail, then people try to embrace with their left hand. This half of the body is controlled by the right cerebral hemi-sphere, which is involved in processing positive and negative emotions” the researcher shared.
And experts have found that slow eating tasty meals also increases oxytocin production.