What is a hug? 

It’s a funny thing if you think about it. It’s two people wrapping their arms around each other and holding them there for a few seconds. A hug can be short or long. Too long can get awkward and claustrophobic, amazing how a few seconds too long can feel like a lot more than a few seconds. A typical hug lasts between 5 -10 seconds. Not sure how they quantify this research, but I read that a ten second hug helps with depression and relationships, and a twenty second hug helps fight infection, with heart health and keeps us healthier in general. 

There are many, many types of hugs which are appropriate in different situations. I don’t think I ever realized all the different types of hugs:  A quick hug, a patting hug, a long hug, a bear hug, a polite hug, a greeting hug, a goodbye hug, a thank you hug, a hug around the waist, seminary girl scream hugs, one sided hug (a hug from the back), a super tight hug, a romantic hug, and recently, what we have been seeing, the comforting hug.  

Everywhere I turn nowadays, I see hugs. A hug can be one of the most powerful tools we have in our “Relationships Toolbox”. A beautiful hug between different types of Jews was recently featured on the cover of various magazines. As the news features fear, sadness, tremendous and indescribable loss and hope, with each of these emotions - there are pictures of people hugging. 

Hugging is fascinating. Hugging is the perfect gesture, especially when words do not suffice. Both at funerals and at joyous occasions, The Hug is a sign of togetherness, connection, empathy, love and support. 

There is empirical research on hugs. People in general, parents who often hug their children, couples who often hug each other have a closer, more satisfying relationship than those who don’t hug. It’s a vital, crucial part of relationships that should not be overshadowed or overlooked. If there is distance in any relationship, a hug can bring back a closeness. Hugging can make us feel safe and secure, and according to many studies, hugging doesn’t just feel good in the moment, it has lasting effects. It increases overall self esteem, it increases the ability to feel empathy, it is shown to be associated with improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and relaxing tensions in our bodies by increasing circulation. 

What happens in our bodies when we hug? 

Hugging is like creating a chemical reaction: Endorphins get released. These are the body’s feel good chemicals, which as we’ve discussed, get released when we laugh as well. Endorphins create a sense of well being, which are a natural way to improve mood and reduce pain. 

Hugging and all positive physical touch (like hand holding) can lower levels of cortisol which is the anxiety and stress hormone in the body. 

Hugging creates a sense of security and reduces loneliness. 

Hugging can convey a wide range of emotions, when words simply don’t do justice. 

Hugging Improves Lives. 

A Hug is a natural aid to the many emotions that we are all feeling, especially now, as we Stand with Israel and the Jewish People. 🇮🇱 

Wishing you all tight hugs… 

Shifi