Get or give a hug and you may just lower your stress level, says a New York psychologist.
“Being close to someone you care about can release the hormone oxytocin, which both makes you feel good as well as lowers your stress reactions,” said Jessy Warner-Cohen, PhD, health psychologist at LIJ Medical Center.
And what better time than today – National Hugging Day – to test that for yourself.
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The annual holiday was founded on Jan. 21, 1986, in the United States by Rev. Kevin Zaborney as a way to encourage everyone to hug family and friends more often.
He picked Jan. 21 because it falls between the Christmas and New Year’s holidays and Valentine’s Day, a time he thought people were generally in low spirits.
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In addition to lessening stress, studies have shown that hugging can boost your immune system and lower the risk of heart disease.
“In general, having a strong social network is beneficial and has been shown to have positive effects on your mental and physical well-being,” said Dr. Warner-Cohen.
But there is one caveat to the hugging prescription.
“The benefits only seem to be for those who want to be hugged,” she said.
