“The average length of a hug between two people is three seconds, but researchers have discovered something fantastic. When a hug lasts 20 seconds, there is a therapeutic effect on the body and mind. The reason is that a sincere hug produces a hormone called oxytocin, also known as the love hormone.
During a hug, we release oxytocin, a hormone that relaxes us and lowers anxiety. It's often called the “cuddle hormone,” and when it's released during these 20-second hugs it can effectively lower blood pressure and reduce the stress hormone norepinephrine.
Every hug and physical touch counts; however, hugs that last for 20 seconds or longer are the ones that can be the most powerful.
So, as we approach the six-second mark of a hug, the human brain begins to release enhanced levels of serotonin and oxytocin, which promotes bonding and boosts your mood. This physical connection literally forces the body to feel better; the longer the hug, the higher the level of chemical release.
“When we did this second study, we talked to people,” she says. “They'd often say 'Oh yeah, the neck-waist feels a bit more intimate. '” In total, the results suggest the safest, most likely to be pleasant hug is one that's 5 to 10 seconds long with crisscrossed arms.
“The average length of a hug between two people is three seconds, but researchers have discovered something fantastic. When a hug lasts 20 seconds, there is a therapeutic effect on the body and mind. The reason is that a sincere hug produces a hormone called oxytocin, also known as the love hormone.
Keep your hugs short and sweet.
When you're hugging your crush, the last thing you want is to make them feel smothered. Instead, limit yourself to a short, 3-second hug—that's how long most people hug for.
And according to one study, it takes merely 7 seconds of a hug in order for your brain to signal the release of oxytocin — a hormone that is associated with, amongst other things, increased levels of trust, calmness and creativity.
Things You Should Know
A tight bear hug or a hug with back pats is usually friendly and platonic. If their arms are around your waist or they're hugging you from behind, the hug is romantic.
(NEWS10) — While it may seem like a myth, something as simple as a 10-second hug can help you stay healthy, a study finds. Hugging for at least 10 seconds at a time releases oxytocin, a hormone which helps your body fight infections, boost your immune system and eases depression.
Length and timing. A quick squeeze is usually platonic. The longer the hug lasts, the more likely it is that they have romantic feelings for you. Take timing into account, too.
Two friends have broken the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous hug, raising over £7,000 for leading mental health charity Mind. Joe Snape and Will Jarvis broke the record for the longest recorded hug, standing at 36 hours, 36 minutes, and 36 seconds between Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th June 2018.
It's true. Hugging for just 10 seconds can increase feel-good hormones like oxytocin, which causes stress chemicals like cortisol to drop and help lower your blood pressure. A study by Dr. Jan Astrom shows giving or getting a hug has positive effects.
Being hugged uplifts our mood. If you are feeling isolated or are going through a rough time, a hug releases endorphins. Endorphins are the body's natural pain relievers. These neurotransmitters increase our feelings of pleasure.
The gestures you make should generally match whatever you give the person on a normal basis. If you've never hugged the person you're comforting, then don't go beyond putting a hand on their shoulder, or an arm around it. If they're someone you hug regularly, then give them an embrace.
Hugging often creates a feeling of calmness and relaxation. That's because of oxytocin, which is sometimes called the "cuddle hormone." Oxytocin is released when people or pets snuggle up or bond socially.
Women hug more than men because they are genetically predisposed to be more affectionate and crave the touch of other humans, study shows. Women hug more than men because they are more genetically predisposed to be more affectionate, a study has revealed.
The flirty hug
According to the experts, this is how you give a flirty hug – “Wrap your arms around your partner's neck, lean your head on his chest, or hug her with one arm and draw her close.” A flirty hug may also entail stroking a person's arms, a tight back hug, or nuzzling their neck when leaning in.
Heart-to-heart hug
A heart-to-heart hug is when two people embrace each other from the left part of their bodies so that their hearts touch first. This type of hug means intimacy and can mean friendly or romantic intimacy, basis your relationship with the person.
Keep your hands on the back of her waist if she intends to keep hers on your shoulders. Lean in closely and maybe even give a light kiss on her cheek or neck. Hug her tight and never be the first one to back away. Don't worry about it too much.
Hugs are an essential form of physical touch that humans rely on from the moment they're born throughout the rest of their lives. Depending on the type hug, it can be a sign of romantic intimacy, security, emotional support, friendship, or love.
18. The hug will linger for a while. A friendly hug usually lasts for about a few seconds. But when it comes to a romantic hug, it usually lasts a little longer – say at least for about 20 seconds.
This hug is about passionate love and romance between two people, wherein the guy wraps his arms around the girl's waist while the girl wraps her arms around the guy's neck, evoking a sense of high school romance. So, if you and your partner hug this way, you allow your love life to live and grow.
A close, full-body embrace, with eye contact--that's what an Intimate Hug is. The eye contact takes this type of hug to a new level, because it is clearly about more than just physical touch. If you are experiencing hugs like these, it means you really have something special going on.
On its own, cuddling is unlikely to make you fall in love with someone. But, as noted above, because cuddling can cause your body to release certain hormones, like oxytocin, it can make you feel loved or bonded with someone that you're already falling for.