603-Happiness in Hugging

Did you know that science says that hugging can improve your happiness? How long should I hug for, and how often? Tune in to find out!

 

Transcript:

 

Welcome to Everyday Happiness where we create lasting happiness, in 2 minutes a day,  through my signature method of Intentional Margins (creating harmony between your to-dos and your priorities), happiness science, and musings about life.

 

I'm your host Katie Jefcoat. 

 

I’m curious, are you a hugger?  I’m a hugger.  But I recently heard that a 20-second hug will boost happiness?  Have you ever hugged for 20 seconds?  I did this with my husband the other day.  It feels like a long time.   The research that Arthur Brooks over at The Atlantic is sharing is that a 20 second hug every 2 hours  - boosts happiness. It maximizes oxytocin and it’s super good for you.  There are even some thoughts that it can reduce blood pressure and lower stress.

 

I’m a hugger.  But that seems like a lot.  During the pandemic when my husband and I were both working from home, that could have been more doable. But as we are starting to get back in the office - less likely.

 

Gretchen Rubin has also chimed in to this hug discussion and she says that even a 6-second hug will “optimize the flow of mood-boosting chemicals”.

 

In the book, Burnout by Emily and Amelia Nagoski, they talk about being stressed out and they opine on some pretty solid research that when you hug, you don’t just “lean in” , you keep your own center of gravity and embrace the other person, for 20-seconds (seems like everyone is talking about the 20-second hug).  They also say that it’s not a magic 20-seconds, but enough time to feel relaxed.  And that can instantly decrease your blood pressure and heart rate and improve your mood.

 

So, this leaves me with, let’s hug more.  We know human touch is a cornerstone to happiness, so why not do a little more hugging?

 

I’d love to know if you participate in a 20-second hug today. Or if you opted for the 6-second version.  Send me a message on social @everydayhappinesswithkatie.  

 

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