Could hugs each day keep the doctor away? 
How hugs can make you healthier and how long should they be

By ANDREW HANSEN 
Editor

Don’t go for that medicine. Go for a hug! Research shows the health benefits of hugging can be effective for many medical ailments.  

Carnegie Mellon University researchers discovered that frequent hugs can act as a powerful shield against stress-related illness. In their study, more than 400 healthy adults were exposed to the common cold virus after two weeks of daily tracking of their conflicts, social support, and whether they had been hugged. The results were striking: participants who were hugged on most days had about 60 percent lower odds of infection, and even when they did fall ill, they recovered more quickly and experienced milder symptoms. Hugs accounted for about one-third of the protective effect of social support, suggesting that physical touch itself — or the intimacy it represents — helps buffer stress, strengthen immunity, and support healing. Beyond cold prevention, the findings reinforce a growing body of research showing that the right frequency and duration of hugs can bolster the immune system, improve heart health, and even help heal emotional wounds, making a simple embrace more than just sentimental — it’s medicine.

Another study in Psychoneuroendocrinology found that warm contact, including hugging for 20 seconds, increases oxytocin, lowers blood pressure, and reduces stress hormones. If 20 seconds feels too long, another study in Acta Pyschologia suggests it should be at least 5 seconds to get some benefit. That same study concluded it doesn’t matter how you hug, as arm crossing style (crisscross vs. neck-waist) had little to no impact on perceived pleasure or control.

A study in PLoS ONE found receiving a hug on days with interpersonal conflict was associated with a smaller decline in positive mood and a smaller increase in negative mood, both on the day of conflict and the following day. In other words, hugs are mood protection.

Other studies have also proven similar findings that hugging triggers the release of oxytocin — the “love hormone” — which lowers cortisol, easing stress and anxiety. It also boosts serotonin and dopamine, the brain’s natural mood-lifters that can help combat depression. Beyond the emotional benefits, hugs are linked to lower blood pressure, a stronger immune system, and even pain relief. In short, hugging is one of nature’s simplest prescriptions for better health.

In the Bible, there are several times where people showed their love for each other through physical touch. 

In the story of the prodigal son returning to his father, we see that upon seeing his son in a distance, the father “… ran to his son, embraced him” (Luke 15:20).  In Mark’s Gospel, people were bringing children to Jesus so that “He might touch them.” “Then, He (Jesus) embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them” (Mark 10:16). At Paul’s farewell speech at Miletus, the people showed their affection: “They were all weeping loudly as they threw their arms around Paul and kissed him” (Acts 20:37).

While National Hug Day was celebrated recently on Jan. 21, really, you should make every day hug day. So, go hug someone right now, really embrace them, and maybe hug them for longer than you think you should. Your body, mind, and soul will thank you.