I think we would all agree that nutrition and exercise are important to living a healthy and productive life. Today I’m going to talk about something else that might surprise you, but some say might be just as important as nutrition and exercise.

When was the last time you gave or received a hug? It turns out that hugs may be the secret ingredient to a better, more productive, and healthier life.

Hugs have been on my mind the last few days. It has been almost 12 weeks since I have seen my husband and as I write this he is on his way home! There are a lot of things I miss when he’s not around, and while neither of us are picky types, I’m always looking forward to that first hug when he walks in the door.

Think about the last time someone gave you a hug… it didn’t even have to be from an important person. Maybe it was a friend, your parent or a child, maybe even a stranger… many times when I am discharging a patient from the hospital, they give me a hug and thank me. No matter who the hugs come from, they always make me feel good.

Well, turns out it’s not just me. Hugs are good for health! There are several studies that show that positive human contact through hugs reduces stress, slows down breathing and heart rate, and lowers blood pressure, which reduces the risk of heart disease. Hugs have also been shown to relieve tension, improve mood and release fear.

Studies have shown that when we hug, we increase the level of the hormone oxytocin in our blood. Oxytocin is known as the “bonding hormone” because when it is released, it triggers a “bonding” or “fond” response in people. A daily dose of oxytocin from hugs can help prevent heart disease because as the levels in our blood rise, our blood pressure drops. About one in three adults in the US has high blood pressure, which is one of the leading risk factors for heart disease, so think of all the positive benefits that could come from sharing hugs every day!

Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, is quoted as saying, “Hugging is completely natural; it’s organic, naturally sweet, no pesticides, no fattening, no carbs, no preservatives, no artificial or genetically modified ingredients, and 100% healthy.”

Various sources suggest that everyone needs at least four hugs a day for healthy survival, eight hugs a day for emotional strength, and 12 hugs a day to truly grow and empower themselves. That may sound like a lot of hugs to you, so maybe you just need to start by giving your husband, wife, or someone special a hug at least once a day. And don’t forget to give hugs to your children (big and small)… we all need and benefit from hugs, no matter our age.

One thing to remember is that in order to benefit from hugs, they must be open and sincere. Some people don’t like to be touched, so before you hug a complete stranger or someone you know likes their personal space, ask if it’d be okay if you gave them a hug. As you go about your day, think of someone who might feel better if they got a hug from you today. And remember, not only will they feel better, but you will too.

I am grateful that when my husband is away from home, I have other family and friends nearby who give me a hug from time to time. I have a friend who gives the best hugs…she wraps her arms around herself and holds on tight. If she lives alone and feels like she has no one to hug, then join a group or club (perhaps a ladies’ group at your church or sports team) or volunteer with seniors or children. Every time you meet and greet people or say goodbye, it’s an opportunity for you to give a hug.

I think the following saying says it all, so I thought I’d share it with you:

“Hugs aren’t just nice, they’re necessary. Hugs can help ease pain and depression, make the healthy healthier, the happy happier, and the safer among us even more.”

Hugging feels good, overcomes fears, relieves tension, provides stretching exercises if you are tall. Hugs also do not disturb the environment, they save heat, they are portable, they do not require special equipment, they make happy days happier and impossible days possible.” (Author unknown)

I totally agree with everything the author says about hugs. When I close my eyes and think a lot, I can almost feel the stress melt away when I get a hug from my husband…it’s like a big sigh. And I’m so excited that in less than two hours he’ll be walking out the door and I won’t have to dream about it anymore… I can’t wait for that first hug!

What are you waiting for? Hugs are good for your health… Go hug someone!