The question popped to my mind actually because of medical reasons.
In our communication skills classes we are taught how to relate to the patient, try to understand if they prefer to be called by first or last name, if they want to shake your hand or not...
So starting from the type of handshake I may want to adopt with a specific patient (delicate with an older patient, assertive and strong with a man...) I started wondering if the same sort of concept could be applied to hugs with people.
So starting from the type of handshake I may want to adopt with a specific patient (delicate with an older patient, assertive and strong with a man...) I started wondering if the same sort of concept could be applied to hugs with people.
We have all been taught that hugs are therapeutic! According to a study led by the American Psychosomatic Society, a hug and 10 minutes of hand-holding with a person we care for, greatly reduce the harmful physical effects of stress.
Researching some more I found out that the ideal length for a hug resulted being 20 seconds.
Because these 20 seconds are all it takes to release oxytocin in the body.
Oxytocin is the binding hormone (also known as the "cuddle" hormone because it is released by mothers during childbirth to help them binding with the new baby) that allows us to establish a deep connection with others.
In a study conducted by NYU in 2003, people who hugged at the beginning of the day for 20 to 30 seconds, were much less stressed in the evening, were generally less prone to react negatively to challenges and had a lower blood pressure therefore lowering the risk of heart problems.
I know it may be awkward, 20 seconds may sound a short time but, seen that the average length of a hug is 3 to 5 seconds, holding someone in your arms for that length of time may feel really long... This said, seen the effect of this great hormone, I'd definitely give this theory a try!
...plus, there is nothing like a scientific excuse to get that hug you have been longing for since a while!!! ;-)
Researching some more I found out that the ideal length for a hug resulted being 20 seconds.
Because these 20 seconds are all it takes to release oxytocin in the body.
Oxytocin is the binding hormone (also known as the "cuddle" hormone because it is released by mothers during childbirth to help them binding with the new baby) that allows us to establish a deep connection with others.
In a study conducted by NYU in 2003, people who hugged at the beginning of the day for 20 to 30 seconds, were much less stressed in the evening, were generally less prone to react negatively to challenges and had a lower blood pressure therefore lowering the risk of heart problems.
I know it may be awkward, 20 seconds may sound a short time but, seen that the average length of a hug is 3 to 5 seconds, holding someone in your arms for that length of time may feel really long... This said, seen the effect of this great hormone, I'd definitely give this theory a try!
...plus, there is nothing like a scientific excuse to get that hug you have been longing for since a while!!! ;-)
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