I was taking a study break last week because astronomy was stressing me out, and when I want to relax I listen to NPR programs like “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me.” My favorite segment is when the contestants finish a limerick in order to gain a point. I was shocked by one limerick, in particular, which also felt relevant to this time when as a college student I am studying for midterms while fighting off the flu and other illnesses: “For colds and those seasonal bugs, don’t go in for vaccines or drugs. We’re making a case for a hearty embrace. You cold could be cured with more hugs.” Host Peter Sagal explained that research at Carnegie Mellon University found that people who hug more have lower stress levels, which leads to a stronger immune system.
Though the show aired Oct. 24, this research was conducted last year. The Association for Psychological Science talked about the research, led by Carnegie Mellon professor Sheldon Cohen, and noted that the results supported the theory that more hugs leads to decreased vulnerability to infection and milder symptoms if the person has an illness. The test was conducted using 404 healthy adults who recorded their hugs and social support, and then were given the common cold, and the ones who didn’t receive hugs were more susceptible to the virus and endured more severe symptoms.
“We know that people experiencing ongoing conflicts with others are less able to fight off cold viruses. We also know that people who report having social support are partly protected from the effects of stress on psychological states, such as depression and anxiety,” said Cohen. “The apparent protective effect of hugs may be attributable to the physical contact itself or to hugging being a behavioral indicator of support and intimacy.”
At a school like William and Mary it seems like people are always sick because a lot of us stay up too late studying and don’t take care of our bodies or stress levels. Since I don’t perceive the nature of our student body population changing and becoming a less-stressed environment, we all need to increase our dosage of hugs.
Hugs are unique because they show affection and care for another person. It is a small gesture that has a big impact when it comes to social support. In addition to feeling good, hugs “lower blood pressure, alleviate fears around death and dying, improve heart health and decrease feelings of loneliness.” Whether the person says they need it or not, a hug might be just enough warmth and friendliness to get them through their day and be their best, healthiest self.
I am not a big fan of hugs unless I am in the mood, but I can look back on times when a friend or loved one gave me a hug and it was all I needed. When I am stressed I have the tendency to shut others out, but then I just end up miserable and my physical health eventually echoes that feeling. This flu season I might have to give up my aversion to affection if I want to be healthy.
