ADVERTISEMENT

Who knew hugs could make you healthier?

Science suggests frequent hugs may make you healthier.

The more hugs, the better

You may have been avoiding those extra long hugs but it seems the givers were actually onto something!

Scientists interviewed 406 people daily for two weeks, asking them how often they'd had fights or hugged anyone.

The researchers then exposed the participants to a cold virus and monitored them during a quarantine period of up to six days.

For infrequent huggers, the more conflicts they reported having with others, the greater their likelihood of infection, but regular huggers were protected from this stress-associated risk, says Sheldon Cohen, a professor of psychology at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

ADVERTISEMENT

Habitual huggers who were infected also had milder illnesses than those who reported occasional or no hugging.

Although it's possible that frequent physical contact helps build immunity through greater exposure to germs, the researchers screened all the study participants in order to rule out preexisting immunity to this particular virus.

Affectionate touching and social support help reduce stress and improve health, they concluded.

So find a loved one, or a stranger who gave you permission, and hug away!

You just might want to cling a little longer this time around.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

The largest snake in the world Ana Julia is dead — unknown gunmen suspected

The largest snake in the world Ana Julia is dead — unknown gunmen suspected

10 sexual benefits of watermelon for men and women

10 sexual benefits of watermelon for men and women

8 sexual benefits of ginger for men and women

8 sexual benefits of ginger for men and women

10 Sex Positions for Super-Deep Penetration

10 Sex Positions for Super-Deep Penetration

What It Feels Like to Use a Butt Plug While Masturbating

What It Feels Like to Use a Butt Plug While Masturbating

11 Ways Men Can Make Their Orgasms Even Better

11 Ways Men Can Make Their Orgasms Even Better

10 latest senator styles for men

10 latest senator styles for men

Why You Should Try Anal Fingering Before Having Anal Sex

Why You Should Try Anal Fingering Before Having Anal Sex

5 Sex Positions to Stimulate Her G-Spot

5 Sex Positions to Stimulate Her G-Spot

Dr Akpa Chidinma of Curvy Girl Essentials champions inclusivity in beauty standards

Dr Akpa Chidinma of Curvy Girl Essentials champions inclusivity in beauty standards

Pocketwatching in Relationships: What it is and how to deal with it

Pocketwatching in Relationships: What it is and how to deal with it

Money or love? Which is the most important in relationships, according to science?

Money or love? Which is the most important in relationships, according to science?

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT