Science says: this is how long the perfect hug lasts

Walter, Claudia and Anne, are you paying attention (if you know, you know)? You were completely off with your hugging theory and I personally find that very unfortunate. It could have been a lot more awkward there in the French Corrèze. While you attacked each other with a cringeworthy 8-second hug every chance you got to strengthen your bond, experts were studying this phenomenon and came to a surprising conclusion. What turns out? The ideal hug lasts much longer.

According to psychologists, the ideal hug lasts no less than 20 seconds. This is because the body needs some time to produce oxytocin, also known as the ‘love hormone’. At the moment this flows through your body, you experience more sexual arousal, while also laying the building blocks for an intimate, mental bond. Additionally, your serotonin and dopamine levels rise, making you feel happy, while the stress hormone cortisol decreases, allowing you to relax more quickly.

Expert Emelie Leyes explains how this works: ‘The pressure of a hug affects the autonomic nervous system. This part of your nervous system regulates things like your heart rate and blood pressure. As a result, your body will not only feel more relaxed, but it will also help you feel comfortable and safe with the person you are hugging. So, an extra long hug is not only good for your health, it is also important if you want to build intimacy.’

Do you have no one to hug? Don't worry. It may feel extremely single, but the same positive effect of a 20-second hug can be achieved by holding a pillow just as long and firmly. Leyes even says you can hug yourself to get the same results. Wrap your arms around yourself, squeeze them tightly, and take a deep breath. If you want to take it a step further, you can even stroke your shoulders or arms to enhance the effects of this technique. You'll see that it calms you down in no time.

Source: Bustle