Embrace Your Health. Hug Somebody.

I travel quite a bit for work and always have. I’ve spent a lot of time in airports and one thing I never tire of is seeing people embrace upon departure or arrival. There’s just nothing better. Two souls separating for a trip or coming back together from one seem to experience a primal need to embrace, regardless of the length of the trip. I like to believe it’s human nature. Oh, there’s the occasional wave, and, of course, barely a nod from a cabbie or Uber driver, but the vast majority of human interactions at the curb of every airport to which I've been is an embrace.

Science suggests that there’s all kinds of benefits to a hug. Seriously. Google it. Hugs reduce stress, improve immunity systems against illness, reduces blood pressure, and makes you happier while lowering fear and anxiety. Hugs provide all kinds of physical, emotional, and spiritual support. I recently read an article in Forbes written by Virginia Satir (family therapist) who said, “We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.” Wow!

FOUR HUGS A DAY FOR SURVIVAL? Hmmm… I need to up my hug game.

I read another article that says when we engage in physical touch, whether it’s a hug or even just a pat on the back, our bodies respond in remarkable ways. One of the most significant reactions is the release of something called oxytocin. I didn’t know what oxytocin is, but upon a little research I learned that oxytocin is a hormone that fosters feelings such as trust, empathy, and bonding. It's like nature's built-in stress reliever, reducing cortisol levels, and in turn, reducing feelings of anxiety and producing a sense of calm. Double wow!

This interaction between oxytocin and cortisol is a testament to the power of touch and how it affects us, emotionally and physiologically. Studies have shown that regular physical contact can lead to decreased levels of depression and anxiety, which means something as simple as a hug could be a key component in our mental health toolkit. Makes me wonder if we shouldn’t start and end all political debates and sessions with hugs. Doesn’t seem like it could hurt. Hmmm…

So, I figure we all need to hug  those we love more often. Apparently, 4-12 times a day. Seems like a log of hugs, but maybe not. Maybe it’s like water and hydrating. My doctor tells me I should drink 100-150 ounces of water, or about a gallon a day to stay hydrated and healthy. Seems like a lot of water, but maybe not. I like being healthy, so I hydrate more. In a similar fashion, I guess it’s time to hug more.

Whether you’re coming, going, or staying put, add more hugs to your day. Apparently, your health will improve. I think your significant other will wonder what you’re up to and your kids, if you have kids, will think you’re weird. Win-win, says I. For me, I'm adding more hugs to my day. I like how it makes people seem to feel at the airport and I'm not willing to wait for another trip to feel better. Friends and family, you've been warned.