4 Reasons We LOVE Hugs
We LOVE a good hug, but there are reasons it can make you feel all warm and fuzzy! At Eco Cleaning Fairies we promote positive attitudes as well as being kind to the planet and helping yourself by making your space clean. So today, on National Hug Day 2017, we thought we'd look into why hugs are so brilliant!
1/ It's more than just nice, it's releasing helpful chemicals into our systems...
When we cuddle someone, oxytocin is released making us feel good. The chemical has also been linked to social bonding and is sometimes referred to as 'the cuddle hormone'. Psychologist Matt Herenstein from DePauw University comments " Oxytocin is a neuropeptide, which basically promotes feelings of devotion, trust and bonding", he goes on to say "It really lays the biological foundation and structure for connecting to other people" - this is surely a case for ditching the handshake and going straight in for a cuddle, no?
2/ Hugging can reduce blood pressure...
Yup, the hormones that are released in the body after a hug can also help your physical health. The sensation of touch on your skin activates pressure receptors, called Pacinian Corpuscles (maybe a new title for a Rumjig song). These send signals to the Vagus Nerve (another song title?) an area of the brain reportedly responsible for lowering blood pressure, among other things!
3/ Hugging lowers our fears...
I know a hug helps me feel calm, but in a recent study on fears and self-esteem, published by the the journal of Psychological Science, suggests that hugs and touch reduce worry. The studies found that hugging something, it doesn't have to be a person, help sooth existential fears. The feeling of 'just needing a hug' is real and the research suggests that 'even fleeting...instances of interpersonal touch may help people to deal more effectively with existential concern'. A hand on the shoulder when you are feeling down really does help :)
4/ Hugging Trees is actually awesome...
At Eco Cleaning Fairies we are not shy of our Tree Hugging credentials, a term that has come to mean someone who is environmentally aware and out to protect this amazing planet we inhabit. In a book published a few years ago by Matthew Silverstone entitled "Blinded By Science' he explores the health benefits of trees on thins like depression, concentration levels and even reducing headaches. The book cites various studies of the psychological and physiological effect of being in nature on children, which regularly suggest that access to nature can significantly contribute to our mental and capital wellbeing. Silverstone goes on to suggest that there may be something healing in the vibration of trees and that when we touch them our own biological vibrations are effected. Interesting ideas for sure and we'll take any excuse to get out more into the forest!
Head over to Facebook to join in with our hugging competition - just send a snap of yourself hugging someone or something and we'll enter you into the draw to win a bundle of Method products.
Competition closes at Midnight on the 21st January 2017. Winner will be selected on Wednesday 25th January 2017 by 5pm! Feel free to share any picture of you hugging anything, old or new!
Lots of Love
Jules & The Fairies
Eco Cleaning Fairies is a cleaning company based in Liverpool that offers domestic cleaning services and commercial cleaning services. We are passionate about the planet and do everything we can to use natural, kind to the planet products to get your space clean. Do get in touch if you would like to a quote.
