Hugs, the little know medicine
Did you know the average length of a hug between two people is 3 seconds? Researchers have discovered when a hug lasts 20 seconds; there is a therapeutic effect on the mind and body. The reason is that a sincere hug produces a hormone called “oxytocin”, also known as the love hormone.
This substance has many benefits in our physical and mental health. It helps us, among many things, to relax, to feel safe and calm our fears and anxiety. This wonderful calming is offered free of charge every time we have a person in our arms-cradling a child, cherishing a dog or cat, or dancing with our partner. The closer we get to someone or just hold the shoulders of a friend, the better we will feel.
