It has been said by recent research that a 8 second hug can help reduce all your worries and make you stress free. Hugs regulate your cortisol and release a love hormone known as oxytocin. This hormone helps in reducing cortisol, making you relaxed and calm immediately. Therefore, a hug for only 8 seconds is very beneficial for us.
Cortisol hormone and its role
Cortisol is a hormone made up of adrenal glands. It plays a crucial role in the body’s stress response and helps regulate various functions like metabolism, immune response, and blood pressure. In stressful situations, cortisol levels rise to provide the body with extra energy and focus to deal with the challenge. It works as a fight or flight system manager for the body which helps us handle tough situations. Therefore this hormone helps us regulate our stress and get relaxed. Having extra ordinary high cortisol leads to issues like obesity, constipation, heart burn and hence, weakens the immune system.
Cuddling helps in reducing stress
Moreover, it is also said that cuddling helps in reducing stress. Another word for cuddling is hugging, be it the mother hugging her child or the husband cuddling with his stressed wife. It works for all. Hugging releases Oxytocin in our bodies which aids in relaxing us and helps in lowering our BP as well as heart rate. In general, comforting physical contact can send signals to the brain to reduce cortisol production and also by releasing the oxytocin hormone. The release of oxytocin has the power to manage our emotional well being and feelings helping us change our negative mood to a positive one.
An 8 second long hug can do wonders in reducing stress. This short moment of connection activates the production of oxytocin, also called as the “love hormone” which had the characteristic of lowering the levels of stress and bring positive feelings. It is totally unbelievable how such a brief and small gesture of warmth and care can have an intense effect on our overall stress levels and emotional state.