When people hug for 20 seconds or more, the feel-good hormone oxytocin is released which creates a stronger bond and connection between the huggers. Oxytocin has been shown to boost the immune system and reduce stress.
The quick answer is about 3 seconds, according to a new study of the post-competition embraces of Olympic athletes.
In much the same way that hugging reduces stress, it also decreases pain. Even a 20-second hug releases enough oxytocin to make you feel better.
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. Until recently, oxytocin was thought to only be a hormone released during childbirth and through breast feeding.
Cuddling releases "feel good" hormones
Not too bad, right? It makes sense that when we're feeling down a hug can often help lighten our feelings. There's also research that suggests hugging or cuddling for more than six seconds oxytocin and serotonin are released at maximum levels.
Friends often give each other hugs as greetings or when they part. If you're in the middle of hanging out and the person reaches out to hug you, even just as a quick gesture, that's usually more significant and could mean they're into you.
Hugs release oxytocin
Oxytocin is often called the “love hormone,” and it's released when we cuddle or bond. It's the reason why being hugged feels so good. So when you're feeling down, give someone a squeeze and feel your mood lift.
Give your partner a 60-second hug (f you can only give it 20-30 seconds, that will suffice). Touching your partner in this way will boost oxytocin and dopamine, your attachment and pleasure hormones. It feels like you've enshrouded yourself in a warm blanket, and that feeling will stay with you for the day.
A 'seven second hug' takes you to level two – it's a sincere, genuine transaction of love and care. Level three is the 'run up hug' – a euphoric, outburst of affection.
Psychologists in London claim they have cracked the code on the ideal embrace, saying hugs should last between five and 10 seconds. According to researchers at Goldsmiths university, longer hugs were found to provide an immediate pleasure boost compared to shorter ones (lasting just one second).
Remember touch is essential and there is no substitution for a great big hug! As author and family therapist Virginia Satir once said, “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth”.
Hugs Increase Well-Being
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.
So, when we hold someone's hand or hug them, we feel every bit of them and our brains react. When we reach out, a chemical called oxytocin — also dubbed the “love hormone” — kicks in and makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside.
When someone gives you a Long hold hug, it shows that the person considers you as your best friend or someone they can lean on when life gets tough. When someone hugs you like this, it also shows that they need help. Make sure you pay attention to that and try your best to help them out.
Yes, You Can (and Should) Give Yourself a Hug. Hugs can provide a lot of comfort. They can help you feel closer to someone you care about, whether that's a partner, friend, or child. They can also increase feelings of happiness and fulfillment by reinforcing your knowledge that other people care about you.
Hugging causes the brain to release oxytocin, the hormone that increases human bonding. Here's why it's so important. The oxytocin released by hugging increases trust, loyalty and feelings of closeness, which is why physical contact in relationships is so important.
When people hug for 20 seconds or more, the feel-good hormone oxytocin is released which creates a stronger bond and connection between the huggers. Oxytocin has been shown to boost the immune system and reduce stress.
A hug at the waist
A hug at the waist is indeed one of the most romantic and intimate types of hugs! A hug at the waist brings one partner below the shoulders of the other, down and closer to the stomach during this embrace.
Lengthening kisses to six seconds could be a key to a better relationship. Dr. John Gottman says it's long enough to make a moment of connection with our partner. It stops the busyness in your brain and puts your focus on your partner at that moment.
Neck Kiss
Not to be confused with a hickey, a neck kiss is more of a peck than a deep kiss. This is a playful kiss meant to let your partner know how much you care for them.
Research shows that getting hugged by others, but also hugging yourself, may reduce stress hormones. Longer hugs are perceived as more pleasant than shorter hugs. Older people who at least occasionally get hugs tend to feel better about their health.
When you don't get enough physical touch, you can become stressed, anxious, or depressed. As a response to stress, your body makes a hormone called cortisol. This can cause your heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, and breathing rate to go up, with bad effects for your immune and digestive systems.