Day of hugs, the beneficial effects on the body and brain of a warm hug

It is powerful on the mind and nervous system, improves mood, calms anxiety: the hug is a real cuddle that we cannot give up

The Day of Hugs is celebrated around the world on 21 January. But what are all the benefits on mind and body of this apparently simple but extraordinarily precious gesture?

It is powerful on the mind and nervous system, improves mood, calms anxiety: the hug, a gesture to which a world day that we celebrate today 21 January is dedicated, is a real cuddle that we cannot give up. A full of positive energy and an avalanche of beautiful emotions that our body and brain crave, worth a life of stress and nervousness.

That's right: the hug, but also a slow stroking on the hair, stimulates a particular set of nerves in a direct path that goes straight to the brain, where they activate the release of endorphins, which are part of the pain control system and produce a opiate-like analgesic effect. From here, it is all a swooping descent towards numerous advantages: we feel good, we feel satisfied, relationships are strengthened. (Read also: Endorphins: how to stimulate in a natural way to get better)

And not only that: a hug protects the body from infections and cardiovascular problems, helps brain function, relieves headaches, prevents colds, improves mood by alleviating anxiety and strengthening self-esteem.

What happens to your body and brain with a hug

To mum, boyfriend, grandmother, uncles ... Never spare yourself when it comes to hugs! In fact, it is hugs that help us to be closer both physically and emotionally to the people we love, they help us to strengthen bonds and make peace, but also to give comfort and offer a moment of consolation to who is suffering.

Thanks to hugs we can improve our relationship with loved ones, remove worries and fears and ensure that our body produces substances that promote well-being. In short, with a hug, emotions, warmth and closeness are shared.

But what's behind it all? Very simple: the tatto which, according to science, works in two ways: the quick touch, which allows us to quickly realize the contact, and the slow touch, possible thanks to a group of nerves called afferent C-tactile, which are stimulated precisely by caresses and Hugs. (Read also: 15 tips to regain well-being and good mood right away)

It is in fact this second type of touch that makes us feel good and makes our body able to release, as we said, oxytocin (hormone that slows heart rate and decreases anxiety and stress levels) ed endorphins, connected to the sensations of pleasure and well-being. (The hug test: the way you hug each other reveals unexpected couple dynamics)

In addition, according to some research, hugs would even help us fight infections by regulating the release of hormones that affect our immune system: according to a 2019 research, for example, sleeping curled up with our partner would protect us from the common cold.