Hug your loved ones for good health

Hug day is the seventh day of the Valentine’s week which is celebrated every year across the globe on 13th Feb. It is one of the important days of the Valentine’s week where people from all age groups hug their partner, friend, loved ones and etc to express their love and affection. Hugging has the capability to relieve one from any problems and brings freshness to the mind.

Hugging has multiple health benefits as well. It may improve the psychological and physical development of the person being hugged. It strengthens the immune system and decreases the risk of chronic heart diseases by decreasing the stress hormone, cortisol level, in blood. It has been proved that a hug of just 20 seconds brings a lot of happiness as well as enhances the level of oxytocin hormone. It prevents the persons hugging each other from high blood pressure and high heart rate. A hug from a friend or loved one has the power to uplift your mood, when feeling down. Here are few more reasons for you to hug your loved ones frequently:

• Hugging fights common cold: According to a study, hugging combats common cold and flu. The study also revealed that hugging was effective in protecting people from stress-induced viral infection. This is why it’s healthy to hug your loved ones often.
  
• Gives a boost to the immune system: While giving a hug, you exert pressure on the breastbone and when this happens, an emotional charge is created. This procedure stimulates the thymus gland which regulates the production of white blood cells in the body, thereby, keeping you healthy.
  
• Hugging relieves stress: When you hug someone, the act effectively suggests supporting that person. Multiple hugs or more than 1 hug can eliminate stress or the effect of stress. So if you see your loved one in distress, give a hug.
  
• Hugging helps lower high blood pressure: When you hug someone, the levels of oxytocin increases. This hormone plays a key role in the reduction of cortisol in the body, thereby, lowering blood pressure levels.
  
• Hugging helps burn calories: You may not believe it but while hugging you actually burn 12 calories. This means when you hug someone, you burn calories which helps in maintaining weight.
  
• Hugging helps ease muscle tension: A hug can ease tension by fighting pain and improving blood circulation. It also promotes blood flow in the soft tissues, thereby aiding in relaxing tensed muscles.

Time For A Break: Five-Point Stress Busters

It is difficult to point out one way in which stress can affect you. Psychologists believe it can harm you in multiple ways; that it is, in fact, a ‘silent killer’. Unfortunately, in today’s highly competitive world, the number of people suffering from stress is rapidly increasing.

90% of the working class is stressed because of some reason. Once you are stressed, you lose concentration in addition to inviting diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, tension and migraine.

However, experts opine that beating stress isn’t that difficult if a person is aware of it. Here are 5 easy ways to bust it:

Vent It Out

One of the major reasons for stress, according to psychologists, is the bottling up of emotions. The best way to get rid of it is by venting out the frustration. Write down everything that is happening within you. Everything will be in black and white in front of you. That also helps in getting to know what causes stress and ultimately in resolving the issues.

Good Food, Good Life

Diet directly influences the brain’s neurotransmitter system, thus influencing one’s mood. Diet that is rich in carbohydrates relieves depression but increases chances of disorders such as carbohydrate craving and obesity. A well-balanced diet rich in protein and micronutrients, moderate in carbohydrates and low in fat generally improves the mood.

Indulge In Love Making

When the feeling of compassion is triggered, it is out to enhance your mood. Science suggests that good sex reduces pain and discomfort. The body also releases oxytocin-the love hormone-during sex which makes a person happy. Talk and share while making love. An engaging foreplay is also a certified way to reduce tension, say sexologists.

Meditate And Relax

At a time when work schedule are jam-packed, a few minutes in quiet can help reduce stress. Working professionals should spend a few minutes with themselves every day. Shut your eyes for a few minutes and release stress with positive affirmations like “I’m happy” or “I’m at peace”.

Take A Break

Networking can help as much as being alone. Be in the company of happy people in order to reduce negativity. Other ways to beat stress include going for a walk, watching a movie or talking to a friend.