To reduce stress, cuddle your lover!

Relax in a quiet place, listen to music, close your eyes, breathe deeply… Different tricks help fight stress. A study conducted by a team from the Ruhr Universität in Bochum revealed another method to regain serenity: it is a simple hug to your companion.

Women more receptive to hugs

In order to measure the impact of a hug on a loved one, Gesa Berretz and her colleagues at Ruhr University in Bochum observed 76 people in love.

All participants underwent a stress test in which they had to keep one hand in an ice bath for three minutes while maintaining a fixed gaze at a camera. Half of the couples had to hug each other before the test.

The researchers then measured various stress indicators, including the participants’ levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) before and after the experiment.

Result ? Researchers found that women who cuddled their partner had lower cortisol levels than those who didn’t. On the other hand, in men, the hug had no particular impact on the level of cortisol.

These results suggest that a hug with a partner could reduce the level of cortisol in women facing stressful situations: exams, work overload, job interviews, etc. Other work will then have to establish whether the advantages of this embrace extend to friends.

The authors also call for research into the related effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Such investigations could explore whether social restrictions that have reduced social contact may be associated with observed increases in stress and depression during the pandemic. The authors add:As a woman, hugging your romantic partner can prevent your body’s acute stress response.“.

Chronic stress: when does it become problematic?

Stress is a normal and occasional response of the body to a situation of danger or aggression. When a passenger, it can help a person stay alert. On the other hand, it becomes problematic when it settles over time.

Chronic stress can then affect the proper functioning of the body. High blood pressure, respiratory disorders, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders or even depression are some of its negative effects.

The symptoms of chronic stress, both physical and mental, are also numerous. Hence the importance of detecting them as early as possible:

• Insomnia or sleep disturbances;
• Constant tiredness;
• Stomach aches ;
• Headache ;
• Back pain ;
• Muscle aches ;
• Difficulty concentrating or memorizing information;
• Consumption of more fatty and sugary foods;
• Loss of appetite ;
• Weight fluctuation;
• Mood changing.

Seeking a doctor quickly is essential to get rid of these symptoms.