Health Benefits of Mood-altering Hugs

LOVING HUG

 "Give a hug to someone you love today and just feel your stress melt away", says a New York psychologist.

Studies have shown that being close to someone you care about can release the hormone oxytocin, which both makes you feel good as well as lowers your stress and blood pressure, says Dr. Arroyo, a pastoral psychologist at a prominent NYC church.

“In general, having a strong social network is beneficial and has been shown to have positive effects on your mental and physical well-being,” says Dr. Cohen at LIJ Hospital.

But there is one caveat to the hugging prescription.

“The benefits only seem to be for those who want to be hugged,” she said.