With the drama of this week's economic bail out plan, the timing of the information in this article is welcome news for many people.
Researchers out of Utah's Brigham Young University have discovered - or rather proved - what many people have anectodally known for a while. Human touch makes us feel good. No...not THAT kind of good. Just good - happy, stress free sort of good. Healthwise, hugs and touching can even lower blood pressure.
According to USA Today, "the study of 34 young married couples ages 20 to 39 by researchers at Brigham Young University in Provo and the University of Utah in Salt Lake City found that massage and other supportive and caring touch lower stress hormones and blood pressure, particularly among men, while also enhancing oxytocin, a hormone thought to calm and counter stress. The findings will be published in the Oct. 14 issue of the journal Psychosomatic Medicine."
What's awesome about this study is that it gives us a simple and inexpensive way to keep stress and blood pressure controlled just by maximizing the resources within our own lives. Massages are fantastic ways to accomplish the same goal but take time and can be pricey. Massages due have some benefits that a simple hug can't offer, like muscle relation after exercise.
This study also helps reinforce the need for a certain amount of physical intimacy with in our own close social lives. Many adults fail to put priorities on this as lives become hectic and focus and fail to realize how important a simple hug can be with the important people in their lives - kids, spouses, family members, close friends.
If your feeling a bit antsy these days, give someone in your life a hug today. And, make sure you at least give your kids and spouse a hug each day.
Image
3 comments:
Hi Dr. Gwenn! Thanks for reinforcing the positive things we can do as parents. I forget how much better a bad day can be after a good hug or snuggle. It calms everyone down, gets a smile or giggle out.
I love the idea, but practically have to bribe my kids for hugs (12, 17, 19), even at home where their friends can't see it.
What's the solution to this? They loved hugs and kisses when they were younger.
Teenagers do try and pull away for a bit but always come back. Don't pull back yourself or act hurt. Often a teenagers "I'm not into hugs" is an act and inside they want it as much as you.
Sometimes making a joke helps or calling them on it by saying "I know you like hugs - you can stop the act whenever you're ready". Or, say nothing and grab the hug when they least expect it.
Post a Comment