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Image: Our classmates hugging.

Hugging Someone Can Improve Their Mood

Another way we are spreading positivity is through hugs. Everyone has had a bad day at least once in their life, we’re human it’s bound to happen. But when we are having these bad days, most of the time nothing sounds better than comfort from someone you really love or admire.

It is scientifically proven that hugs cannot only brightens someone’s day but also improve their health. When giving and receiving hugs, many different hormones are released such as oxytocin and dopamine which causes someone that ‘warm and fuzzy’ feeling inside.

According to Collective Evolution, when you hug someone it "relaxes the body," "relieves depression and neurodegenerative disorders," and "elevates mood." We thought these three effects were interesting because they are all so different, yet very powerful.

Although, hugs may seem insignificant, they are proven to lower someone’s stress and depression. If something as small as a hug could make people happy, then we’re more than willing to give them out.

On Twitter we made a thread of polls asking different questions about hugging to see if people think hugs really do matter. Here are some results:

  • 90% of people that voted believe receiving hugs make them happier.

  • 51/58 people that voted said hugs matter to them.

  • 93% of people that voted said hugs reduce stress.

  • 50/56 people that voted said a hug would improve their mood after a long day.

We also have been giving random hugs to our friends and family to let them know that they are appreciated. We think that people really liked the hugs and even though they didn’t know it, it was probably something they needed. We want to reach as many people as possible which is why we are sharing this experience with as many people as possible.

Facts

  • A 20-second hug is able to reduce harmful physical effects of stress, including its impact on your blood pressure and heart rate!

  • Even a 10-second hug can improve your health by lowering risk of heart disease, fight infections, reduce stress, boost your immune system, and more!