11/15/2025
Studies have revealed the true power of a loving hug or cuddle session! Cuddling/hugging can reduce depression, relieve anxiety, strengthen the immune system and more!
DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY RELIEF:
📑Release of “Feel-Good” Hormones: Hugging and cuddling stimulate the release of oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine.
📑Oxytocin: Often called the “cuddle hormone” or “love hormone,” oxytocin fosters feelings of trust, safety, and emotional connection, directly counteracting feelings of loneliness and isolation. It plays a critical role in social bonding and emotional regulation.
📑Serotonin and Dopamine: These neurotransmitters are associated with mood regulation, pleasure, and happiness. Increased levels help to boost mood, enhance well-being, and reduce feelings of sadness and fear.
📑Reduced Stress Hormones: Physical touch lowers levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. High cortisol levels are linked to anxiety, depression, and other health problems. By decreasing cortisol, hugging helps the body shift from a “fight or flight” response to a “rest and recover” state.
📑Nervous System Regulation: Hugging activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes a state of calm, relaxes muscles, and lowers heart rate and blood pressure.
IMMUNE SYSTEM STRENGTHENING:
📑Stress Reduction: Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels suppress the immune system’s ability to fight infections. By lowering cortisol, hugging helps maintain healthier immune function.
📑Thymus Gland Stimulation: Gentle pressure on the sternum during a hug can stimulate the thymus gland, which is responsible for regulating and balancing the body’s production of white blood cells (crucial for fighting off disease).
📑Improved Resilience: Studies have shown that individuals who experience more frequent social support, including regular hugs, are less likely to get sick when exposed to a common cold virus, and if they do, they exhibit less severe symptoms.
Read more here: https://princeea.com/hugging-cuddling-benefits-mental-health-immunity/
