Before diving too deep into this article I want you to do me a favor. I need you to claw deep into your memories to a time of pure euphoria. Pick out the last hug you shared with someone that made it seem like the world itself stopped to cater to the moment you were in. I am a lover of the little things in life. Hand written letters, catching the fleeting glimpse of a firefly while hammocking, hearing the genuine ringing of the words “I appreciate you” or “this made me think of you” and the simple act of hugging. But is hugging a simple act? I do not think it is so; hugs have the power to heal people, bond people, and also break people. Those of you reading this with low scores for physical touch on your love language test might be ready to click off this screen, but I urge you to keep trekking because you might have newfound realizations.

The Science of Hug-ology

I am not a science-minded guy, but the health benefits of hugs actually blow me away. Yes, it is common for people to feel better after physical contact, but the actual chemical science behind the fact is astounding. There are chemical hormones called cortisol and oxytocin that are released upon hugging another human. The release of cortisol helps to lower the stress that you are harboring inside, giving you a sense of relief. Have you heard of the research on 30-second hugs bonding people? This is due to the chemical release of oxytocin. Honestly, I find this beautiful. This release gives us a sense of belonging and community with our fellow humans that we are meant to be living life with. It does not stop there. Research also points to the possible lowering of blood pressure with the loving embrace of another person. With 95 to 100 billion nerves in the human body can we know when some of these nerves are aching for stimulation through human touch? You may not have an answer for having an “odd day” but maybe this is your body telling you that you need a hug. After all this is one reason people pay various amounts of money for massages, to feel better through touch.

Little Did You Know

Hugs do a lot more than the science of it all. One thing many people do not realize is what can be learned through the act of hugging. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life it can hard to find even a small amount of time to slow down. The act of hugging another person properly forces you to do just that. Slow down, breathe in a steady pace, and just let everything but that moment slip away. Believe it or not, hugging brings forth patience. The practice of hugging teaches you to slow down, breathe, and simply wait. Along with patience, hugging instills trust, confidence, and happiness. This is a very vulnerable action, which is good. Vulnerability has been assigned a negative connotation, when in fact it is an amazing characteristic. To be vulnerable is to be open and genuine. When you put forth your vulnerability into another person’s arms it shows them complete trust, the trust to let them into your life in this time of utter vulnerability. Confidence is brought forth through this acceptance of vulnerability. Wrapping a person up in your arms instills the confidence for them to be as open and vulnerable in their average day as well. Without a doubt happiness is present during and after the embrace. To hug is to show love and to be loved is to be joyful.

Becoming A Hug Dealer

For the complete benefit that hugs promise, they must be approached correctly. Though they can bring healthy happiness, they can also be emotionally damaging. It can sometimes take a lot to muster up the boldness and vulnerability to pursue a hug from someone, keep that in mind. A person seeking comfort through a hug will be able to tell if you do not want to be present in the moment, and it can shatter the whole thing. On that, never reject a hug from anyone who goes in for it. This is a confidence killer. You might as well tell them you do not trust them because that is what will go through their mind the rest of the day as they live in their un-hugged vulnerable state. Remember this as well: side hugs are not healthy. The side hug is the equivalent of fast food in the real world, just do not do it. Take the time to properly envelope the person in a meaningful hug; you cannot be too busy to spare at least 15 seconds. On that note, timing is a huge aspect. One of life’s most awkward moments has potential to happen every time you hug someone, trying to let go when the other person is not ready. As stated, hugging can be a very vulnerable situation. If the “hugee” is not ready to let go, just hold them tighter until they are. The act of hugging is a two way street.

Hug It Out

Remember in all this to just be bold. We have become a society that thrives off of human interaction and physical touch, we cannot let that hide the beautiful art of hugging someone you love and care for. If you feel anxious, lost, overwhelmed, stressed, or like you are simply having an off day do not be afraid to ask someone to hug you. Asking for a hug should not be seen as a weak, but as a humble statement that you need to feel love for as little as 15 seconds. Do not cower, just ask and be embraced. Proper hugs are meant to be whole hearted, genuine, and personal, because of that they harness the power to alter entire days, bond strangers, and as I have seen in Costa Rica, bring people to Christ because they can feel His love. With this knowledge I urge you to go and be a hug dealer. Distribute joy in the form of a warm embrace until the day that you come face to face with Jesus and He draws you in for what I predict to be the most AWEsome hug there will ever be.