Your most important defense against infectious viruses this winter may not be nutrients or medicine, but what you do with your arms, according to researchers at Carnegie Mellon University. A study reveals that if you wrap your arms around those nearest and dearest to you and give them frequent hugs, you may lower your risk of infection with the cold virus and, if you do get sick, not suffer severe consequences.
The scientists believe that social support from your family and significant others helps to bolster the immune system and lower the harmful effects of day-to-day stress. Embracing your loved ones provides emotional and physical support, leading to a healthier and happier winter season.
The Power of Hugging
“We know that people experiencing ongoing conflicts with others are less able to fight off cold viruses. We also know that people who report having social support are partly protected from the effects of stress on psychological states, such as depression and anxiety,” says researcher Sheldon Cohen. “We tested whether perceptions of social support are equally effective in protecting us from stress-induced susceptibility to infection and also whether receiving hugs might partially account for those feelings of support and themselves protect a person against infection.”
The researchers investigated the stress levels, social support, and number of hugs that more than 400 people experienced and then exposed these people to cold viruses. They found that hugging represents about a third of the health preventive benefit of social support in improving immunity. And when they got sick, people who got more hugs didn’t suffer as much as those without hugs.
“This suggests that being hugged by a trusted person may act as an effective means of conveying support and that increasing the frequency of hugs might be an effective means of reducing the deleterious effects of stress,” says Cohen. “The apparent protective effect of hugs may be attributable to the physical contact itself or to hugging being a behavioral indicator of support and intimacy.”
Connection between Stress and Cold Virus
Catching a cold can often be attributed to our body’s reaction to stress. A study conducted by the American Psychological Association found that stress leads to an increased risk of getting sick, which seems to be holding true in Cohen’s study as well. The physical act of hugging helps people feel more connected to friends and family, thus lowering their stress levels and exposure to cold viruses.
It’s worth noting that a strong foundation of social support is extremely beneficial when trying to combat stress and illness. Knowing that you have people who genuinely care about you can provide a sense of security, leading your body to produce fewer stress hormones and ultimately function more effectively.
A Hug a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
Physical touch can have a profound impact on our overall health and well-being. A simple hug can lower blood pressure and heart rate, increase the release of oxytocin (the “love” hormone), and lead to a better mood. In fact, hugging can provide a quick dose of feel-good hormones, making us feel happier and more optimistic about life.
The beauty of a hug is that it doesn’t need to be a grand gesture. Grab your loved ones regularly and give them a quick squeeze. You’ll both reap the benefits, and it could help keep colds at bay this winter.
In the end, hugging provides a holistic and natural way to stay healthy and happy during the cold winter months. Remember to make your loved ones feel supported, whether it’s through physical touch or through non-physical acts of kindness and love. Strengthening your social support network and engaging in regular hugs can lead to a healthier immune system, greater resistance to illness, and a more satisfying life overall.
To better protect yourself and your family this winter, consider the following tips:
- Prioritize social ties: Spend quality time with friends and family, and make it a point to hug them often.
- Engage in stress-reduction activities: Practice relaxation techniques, go for a walk, or meditate to keep stress levels in check.
- Eat healthily and exercise regularly: These are both proven ways to help boost the immune system.
- Get plenty of rest: Our bodies need adequate sleep to repair and heal, so make sure you’re getting enough shut-eye.
- Wash your hands frequently: Good hand hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of cold viruses.
