Hugs Can Help Reduce Stress? Here's The Explanation

Hug illustration (pixabay)

JAKARTA - Hugs have a good impact on body health. One of them is to reduce the stress felt by a person.

Stress decreases with hugs due to hugs increasing levels of the hormone oxytocin in the body. Oxytocin is a hormone that plays a role in reproduction, romantic relationships, and emotional ties.

When a couple hugs, it's more than just a physical touch, it strengthens their emotional bond. When two people hug, their bodies release oxytocin, often referred to as 'love horizons', said the Archana Singhal family counselor and therapist, quoted from the Hindustian Times, on Friday, February 14, 2025.

"It fosters feelings of connection, warmth, and affection between them," he added.

With these hormones increasing, it reduces anxiety, stress, and blood sugar levels. It also helps full emotional well-being and allows couples to communicate with each other in nonverbal bentk.

"Di saat stres atau konflik, sentuhan peluang yang menyakkinkan kenyamanan, membantu pasangan menavigasi tantangan bersama," tuturnya.

Hugs that can reduce stress do not only occur in couples with romantic relationships. This also applies to those closest to you, either with family or friends.

With hugs also seems to emphasize to loved ones that you are present next to them in any situation. Hugs create each other's trust well.

"It signals to others that we are present and with them when words are not enough. It can create space for trust and maintain connections," he concluded.