Currently, the phrase "I'm sending you a hug" has become more popular thanks to the global health crisis , thus becoming an expression to highlight the affection, closeness or empathy of one person towards another.

Furthermore, the act of hugging triggers a series of chemical responses beneficial to health , which can range from preventing diseases to helping those most afflicted.

Next, in the following article you will learn what a hug is , what this gesture can convey, and the benefits you can obtain if you become a hugger.

What is a hug ?

The Royal Spanish Academy defines the act of embracing as "to hold someone in one's arms as a sign of affection." Similarly, an embrace can be described as the connection between two or more people who encircle each other with their arms to demonstrate affection , fondness, understanding, empathy, or gratitude.

In this sense, hugs are a physical manifestation of human interaction, which can maintain closeness between people without the need to transmit words, being one of the most common resources to create and strengthen bonds .

What is conveyed in a hug?

A hugger, or people who consider themselves excellent huggers, have the unique ability to create climates of safety and trust among individuals , especially when it comes to children, sick people, and people going through losses or grieving processes.

Note: Beyond conveying affection, a good hug can create more pleasant, bearable and balanced environments , and therefore has an important psycho-emotional effect during the initial stage of human development.

What are the health benefits of a hug?

After learning what a hug is, it's important to also discover the health benefits this gesture can have , which will make you want to become a hugger par excellence:

1. Strengthens the immune system

Several studies show that emotionally balanced people who receive hugs more frequently have a lower risk of contracting respiratory illnesses or recover from them more quickly.

Of note: The action of hugging helps strengthen the immune system by sharing microorganisms that activate the body's defense agents (white blood cells), thus maintaining high immunological standards against various viruses and diseases.

2. Promotes oxygenation of the body

When hugged, the person tends to breathe more calmly and consciously, which in turn directly benefits the oxygenation of the body , since deep breathing helps to expand the intake of oxygen into the body while expelling carbon dioxide and other waste products.

Note: Good oxygenation helps maintain a healthy heart system, prevents premature aging of cells and tissues, and is also a natural and effective method for eliminating toxins .

3. Reduces blood pressure

A hug is a gesture that can help keep people who experience it calm.

To do this, the person giving the hug needs to wrap their arms firmly around the other person and convey calm , tranquility, security, and confidence. This allows the heart rate to decrease and blood pressure to stabilize.

4. It reduces the risk of developing dementia

Mood disorders, or psycho-emotional disorders, tend to develop for various reasons, one of which is a lack of affection, especially in the early stages of development.

Note: Dementia is usually experienced at an advanced age. However, receiving affection, love, and empathy throughout life through a hug can decrease the risk of developing diseases that affect memory and cognitive health .

5. Reduces levels of stress, tension and nervousness

Hugging people tend to be socially outgoing individuals who share joy and enthusiasm . This is primarily because hugging and being hugged releases oxytocin, the hormone of happiness, pleasure, love, affection, and other sensations that combat stress, anxiety, and tension.

6. It boosts mood and physical energy.

Receiving hugs during times of grief, material losses, or difficult situations directly helps to regain a sense of hope and mutual support . Furthermore, it increases feelings of tranquility and inner peace, which can provide the energy needed to face new challenges .

7. Strengthen emotional bonds

The first contact a human being experiences is the mother's embrace; therefore, throughout their development, it is important that this bond is strengthened through frequent affectionate contact with the environment , which can also increase the likelihood of enhancing the child's security and confidence throughout their life.

What is the importance of giving and receiving a hug?

Nowadays, people have become less receptive to giving and receiving hugs , whether due to health concerns or a lack of empathy. This is because they may not realize that a hug can create emotional bonds that can help both the giver and receiver physically, psychologically, and emotionally .

In this sense, aid programs such as Hugger Island, also known as The Hugger Island, have taken on the task of creating texts such as The Hugger Book, which highlight the importance of giving and receiving hugs.

Note: Hugger Island has a plush huggable toy available for purchase. This toy has long arms that can be wrapped around people's necks . It's worth noting that the price of the huggable toy varies depending on your region, should you be interested in buying one.