Sometimes you don’t need big gifts or confessions: a simple gesture can go a long way in making us happier and more satisfied in our relationship.
Unfortunately, in the daily hustle and bustle, small, intimate gestures often disappear, yet they are incredibly important for bonding. Hugging is a simple, yet incredibly powerful gesture that can do a lot for our relationships.
We’ve brought you five reasons that prove it’s worth hugging the one you love every day!
We can express our love and appreciation in many ways – American psychologist Gary Chapman named a total of five love languages. We can use words, give gifts, or make thoughtful gestures. One of the most expressive and powerful gestures is clearly physical touch.
Yet, in everyday life, small gestures of love and intimacy often disappear. While at the beginning of a relationship, partners “can’t keep their hands off each other,” over time, a kind of physical distance can easily develop.
It’s worth consciously fighting against this, with a small, simple, yet overwhelming gesture: the hug. Below, we’ve gathered how hugging can help us be happier and more satisfied in our relationships.
Read also: Harvard psychiatrist reveals the simple phrase that can save any relationship
How hugging helps your relationship
Hugging is a simple, yet very expressive gesture, and we almost immediately feel it filling both parties with incredible energy. Let’s look at the benefits of hugging and why it’s worth hugging our partner every day!
A simple but powerful gesture of care
With a hug, we send the message: I’m here, I’m paying attention to you, I’m with you. Love and care are powerfully condensed in this simple gesture, and sometimes we can express these feelings much more easily with a hug than by using words.
Hugging produces happiness hormones
Research proves that oxytocin, also known as the happiness hormone, is released during hugging, and it’s considered the bonding hormone. Hugging not only makes us happier but also helps in forming a deeper bond with the other person.
Hugging supports our heart health
Did you know that hugging is even good for your heart? According to research, hugging helps reduce our heart rate, calms and quiets the heart, and active physical contact has demonstrable long-term cardiovascular benefits. This way, we can live together not only in happiness but also in health!
Can be given anywhere, anytime
A great advantage of hugging is that we can use it anywhere and anytime. In a difficult moment or a happy event, in a public space or the intimacy of home – there’s always room for a loving hug!
Stress reducer and happiness bringer
Surveys show that couples who make up with a hug (among other things) after arguments or stressful situations fare much better. Hugging is calming, stress-reducing, and helps to reconnect with the other person, so even difficult situations can be resolved with it.
But hugging isn’t just for problem-solving; it can also be good for growth: Psychologist Virginia Satir stated that we need 4 hugs a day for survival, and 12 hugs a day are enough for growth. In other words, the more hugs we give and receive, the richer and happier our lives can be!
This article was originally published by marieclaire.hu on the Marie Claire Hungary website.
