WANT A HUG?

Hugs are more than just a friendly greeting—they’re a surprisingly powerful health booster you’ll want to take greater advantage of every day.

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A study from Carnegie Mellon University showed that healthy adults who got hugs were less likely to come down with a cold. “The stress-buffering effects of hugging explained 32 percent of that beneficial effect,” according to the U.S. News & World Report. “Even among those who got a cold, those who felt greater social support and received more frequent hugs had less severe symptoms.”

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Getting a good squeeze before going into a stressful situation—a presentation at school, an important exam, or a long journey—can help you calm down a bit, according to the same Carnegie Mellon research. The hug “could even help you stay calm, and cool during the event,” the article states.

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It’s not surprising that humans need touch. The associations of self-worth and physical sensations from our early years are still rooted in our nervous system as adults. The cuddles we received from our mom and dad while growing up remain imprinted in our cells, and each hug we receive from someone now, brings back those feelings we had when we were little. Hugs, therefore, connect us to our ability to self-love.

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In a relationship, it’s easy to take your better half for granted. An overlooked benefit of hugging is that it can re-affirm your love. “It’s valuable to know that something as simple as time spent touching or hugging can have measurable neuro-biological consequences,” explains Stan Tatkin, PsyD, author of Wired For Love. “Hugging can also be a great way to smooth over a disagreement. Moreover, giving each other the hug you need may well have the capacity to reverse damages.” Can four hugs a day save a bad friendship or a marriage? Well, it is worth trying.