Thursday, January 8, 2009

We all need a hug

A study at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill found that hugging and holding hands with your spouse produces stress-reducing chemicals powerful enough to lower blood pressure. Women benefit more than men - in part because closeness triggers the release of oxytocin, the same stress-busting chemical mothers produce while breastfeeding. (Higher levels of oxytocin have also been linked to lower breast-cancer rates.) Depending on how crazed life is in your home, you may need more of those warm-and-fuzzy moments than your husband, So don't hesitate to tell him, "I need a hug--now!"

Family Circle Magazine, February 2009 Issue, Page 68

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the great info. I will keep this in mind.