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Hugs in times of pandemic: with the look, with the smile and with the words
Psychology
Giving or receiving a hug has many benefits, both physical and emotional
The coronavirus pandemic has taken us away from many things, and if there is something that we miss special, it is undoubtedly being able abrazar freely, without having to respect a minimum distance. And long before Covid 19 settled in our lives, there was already an International Hug Day to embrace even more if possible. Because even if a hug means bringing bodies closer together and squeezing hard for a few seconds, the benefits they give to our lives are immense.
Since 1986, on January 21, the International Hug Day, and this date has not been selected at random, but is given because just after Christmas, and after spending it with our loved ones, many people were depressed when returning to their daily lives, at a time when the days are short, there is less light and the weather is cold and unstable. However, what happens this year? After 10 months of a global pandemic, with negative forecasts with increases in infections exponentially and with a complicated start to 2021? A year where the closeness between people, the contact, the kisses, the joy and the healing hugs have been taken away from us.
Physical benefits
«The figures in depressions are on the rise, and it is logical for all that has been experienced and not having physical contact with our loved ones negatively influences all this. Giving or receiving a hug has numerous benefits, both physical and emotional, ”says Marta Robles, a psychologist at the López Ibor clinic. Here are some of them:
—Releases tension from the body, relaxing the muscles and slowing down breathing which in turn produces a reduction in blood pressure.
—Generates serotonin and dopamine that increase the feeling of well-being and happiness and improve self-esteem.
—Mitigate angry states and anxiety, reducing the production of cortisol and adrenaline, hormones that are produced in high concentrations when we are in a stressful situation.
—Oxytocin is released which increases the affective and emotional bond with other people.
—Stimulates oxygenation of the organism which helps to prolong the life of the cells and, therefore, to prevent premature aging.
—Strengthens the immune system by promoting the creation of white blood cells that are responsible for fighting infections and diseases.
Emotional benefits
- When we are afraid or feel insecure, they make us feel protected and more confident.
- They reduce the feeling of loneliness by making us experience that we are part of the other.
- Faced with sadness, they are comforting, feeling supported and understood.
- They improve self-esteem because they give us the feeling of being special and loved.
- They help seal a reconciliation without having to add anything else.
- Sharing joy with a hug increases our sense of well-being.
- When we hug without words, each one gives and / or receives according to their own needs, in such a way that the hug becomes just what we need.
“Covid 19 has made physical contact, something that was so common in our interactions, a risky practice. We should avoid hugging just when we probably need it most. But, we can do it, differently, but we can get it hug benefits in a different way, “says a psychologist. Take note of how we can hug during the pandemic.
Words: they are powerful and it is about giving voice to what we want to convey when we hug.
The look: helps us connect emotionally. Maintaining eye contact helps to emphasize what we are communicating through any other channel.
The smile: because although it is not interchangeable with a hug and has its own different effects, smiling and / or receiving a smile is extremely beneficial and produces complicity with the other and, even if we wear a mask, the smile is perceived and felt.
The gestures: as many and disparate as there are cultures and human beings: open arms, put one hand to the heart, blow a kiss with both hands, hug oneself in the presence of the other …
The new technologies: with virtual hugs, emojis, gifs or stickers.
“These are tips to replace the benefits of hugging, but the real hug will return, since physical contact is part of our essence and this is temporary,” concludes the expert.