Hug more! That ‘jaadu ki jhappi’ can be magical for your immunity and mental health

Do you love a hug? If yes, we have some good news for you because this form of expression can provide both physical and mental health benefits.
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Geetika Sachdev Updated: 25 Nov 2021, 19:40 pm IST
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Don’t we all remember the famous jaadu ki jhappi from the blockbuster Munnabhai MBBS? Well, let’s break it to you — a hug can be truly magical! They work as a soothing balm after a long day, help as a tool to express your affection, and can also be a great way to reconcile with someone, after an argument. It’s the BEST way to de-stress, we say! 

There is scientific evidence that shows that a hug can decrease your cortisol levels, and at the same time, bring your blood pressure and heart rate down! Plus, it’s also great for your mental health, so much so that it can prevent you from falling sick. As per literature in Penn Medicine, the cuddle hormone, also called oxytocin, is produced when we hug each other. It fosters feelings of connection, bonding and trust. This can really help an individual’s health and well-being in the long run. 

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Hug helps to ease depression, and lessens tiredness. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Plus, a recent Instagram post shared by Tim Gray, health optimising biohacker, psychology specialist, entrepreneur and global speaker reveals how a hug (or hugs, in fact) can really do wonders for your health. 

Here’s what he writes, “Hugs are SO powerful, and are great for reducing stress rapidly, improving overall health, relieving depression, reducing blood pressure and boosting the immune system too. According to scientists, the benefits of hugging go beyond that lovely connected warm feeling you get when you hold someone close. It’s especially great with a close friend or a partner and also helps create stronger bonds with new people,” says Gray.

Check out the post for yourself: 

 

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So what is so special about a hug?

Gray adds that hugging for over a minute creates “stillness, calmness, a warm homely feeling – and time almost stands still.” Plus, it also improves heart health. A study that surveyed 59 women revealed that those who hugged their partners more often had a lower resting blood pressure than those who didn’t. Healthy blood pressure levels indicate good heart health too! 

It’s mental health benefits are also much talked about. Shivani Sinha, a Delhi-based trauma-informed mental health practitioner says, “With higher levels of oxytocin, a person can sleep better and more quickly. That’s because the stress levels are much lower. Plus, when you are at ease and more relaxed, your eating behaviours also improve. All in all, it is a great way to improve both your physical and mental well-being.”

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Here are some other benefits of a hug

1. Reduces fear to a significant extent

We’ve seen this happening in films all the time, but there’s some truth to it. It is believed that hugs can reduce fear and anxiety, and especially help those with low self-esteem.

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Sure, a hug won’t solve your problems entirely, but it can help relieve some of your tension and stress. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

2. Provides pain relief

It turns out that hugging can relieve you of pain as well. Hugging releases endorphins that help improve blood circulation and removes pain peptides, reducing the unpleasant feeling.dy sick, the symptoms are less severe when there are enough caregivers.

So ladies, do not hold yourself back from giving a hug!

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About the Author

An independent writer and journalist, Geetika loves sharp and fresh humour, just like her coffee! If not writing, you'll find her cafe-hopping and raiding the best book stores in town. ...Read More

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