Emphasizing that hugging is an act that people actually do instinctively, VM Medical Park Samsun Hospital Uzm. Klnk. Psychologist Buse Gökçe said that in the act of hugging, many different emotions such as love, friendship, longing and compassion can be shown with a single gesture. Psychologist Gökçe gave information about the psychological effects of hugging on people on the occasion of January 21, World Hug Day.
ACTIVITIES TWO OF THE FOUR HAPPINESS HORMONES
Expressing that when people hug, they instill a sense of trust, love and happiness towards each other, Psychologist Gökçe said, “It is always very important for people to touch each other. Hugging is a very simple act, but it has a tremendous power over people. In a study, it has been proven that hugging two people who love each other for 20 seconds has a very positive effect on their body.
Studies show that hugging activates two of the four happiness-giving hormones in the body. These are the hormones oxytocin and serotonin. Oxytocin is a hormone secreted when we form close relationships with each other, when we laugh, even when someone smiles at us. Most importantly, when we do someone a favor, even when we witness someone doing a favor, the hormone oxytocin is secreted.
REDUCES STRESS GIVES HAPPINESS
Emphasizing that oxytocin hormone begins to be secreted in the body when we hug, Gökçe said:
“After oxytocin is secreted in our body, we start to feel good, become happy and start thinking more positively. This allows us to stay calmer and reduce stress in the face of the negativities we encounter in our daily life. Thus, we prevent mental problems such as anxiety, depression, and irritability with the act of hugging.
BEST SMOOTHING: A hug
The immune system, which is strengthened by the hormone oxytocin, raises the pain threshold. So much so that it has been revealed that hugging is the best calming thing for those who are experiencing the death of a loved one. Small touches during the hug activate the sensual nerves called ‘afferent c’, which are in direct communication with the brain.
These nerves connect with the brain and release endorphins. Endorphins, which act as a pain reliever, help us suffer less and calm down. The secreted oxytocin hormone has a great effect on growth, but also helps children cope with the stress they will encounter.
Calms Children
Hugging improves children’s sense of security and strengthens the bond between parent and child. Many parents perceive hugging their child who is having a tantrum as a reward for bad behavior and does not hug them. Hugging your child doesn’t mean giving up. Instead, it helps it self-correct. The love hormone helps calm your child.”