Family therapist Virgina Satir once said , “ We need four hugs a day for survival . We need eight hugs a day for maintenance . We need twelve hugs a day for growth .” How many hugs do you give your child each day ? How many are you getting ? I think that too few of us are getting the amount of hugs we truly need on a daily basis . Satir wasn ’ t just spouting fluffy words . According to scientists , the benefits go far beyond a warm and fuzzy feeling . Here are a some ways hugs are magical :
• Hugs reduce stress . Hugging results in a decrease of the stress hormone cortisol , says Matt Hertenstein , an experimental psychologist at DePauw University in Indiana . “ Having this friendly touch , just somebody simply touching our arm and holding it , buffers the physiological consequences of this stressful response ,” Hertenstein says .
• Hugs boost the “ cuddle hormone .” In addition to decreasing cortisol , hugs increase the release of oxytocin , a neuropeptide that promotes feelings of devotion , trust , and bonding . “ It really lays the biological foundation and structure for connecting to other people ,” Hertenstein says .
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