What Happens When You Hug Someone

Do you know what happens when you hug someone? Whether your answer is “yes” or “no”, you may like to know that your arms hold the power to lower blood pressure and beat cake cravings. Interested, read more on this article I found in the Woman and Home Magazine March 2025, especially as it is 5 years on since the UK experienced it’s first lockdown due to Covid.Remember being told to stay home and not touch anyone? After the pandemic, over a third of Brits said they’d never take hugging for granted again – and we really shouldn’t because a hug isn’t just a cosy embrace, it also has bona fide health benefits. Here’s what happens when we wrap our arms around someone.

Blood Pressure Might Be Lowered:

When you hug, there’s a release of hormones that sends a signal to the vagus nerve. This nerve is responsible for a number of things, one of which is lowering blood pressure, explains Dr Deborah Lee (doctorfox.co.uk). “Plus, hugging also reduces the levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can help to reduce blood pressure”.

Sweet Treats Might Seem Less Appealing:

“When we hug, the neurohormone oxytocin is released, which acts on the brain’s reward system, and can reduce cravings for drugs, alcohol and sweets,” says Dr Lee. Oxytocin reduces calorific consumption, so hugging could help keep you trim.

You’ll Feel Safe And Secure:

Being hugged can tap into muscle memory from the times when we were comforted as a child, says psychotherapist Audrey Stephenson. Even in cultures where hugging is less common in adults, we usually all hug our children – or at least keep them close to our bodies – which is why a cuddle can evoke feelings of safety and security.

It Can Relieve Pain:

Hugs stimulate circulation in the soft tissue, which can ease aches and pains. “Therapeutic touch has been shown in research to help people control pain in fibromyalgia”, says Dr Meg Arroll (healthspan.co.uk). “One study also found self-hugging produced pain-relieving effects”. Also, hugging can help fight off illness. “One study of over 400 healthy adults found that cuddling boosted protection against a common cold”, adds Dr Arroll. “And in those who did develop a cold, greater frequency of hugs led to less severe symptoms.

You May Feel Awkward:

Almost two-thirds of Brits class themselves as “huggers”, but others can find them an invasion of personal space. “Our nervous system responds to a hug either with complete body relaxation or, for others, a feeling of being trapped”, says Audrey. If people aren’t your thing, snuggling pets can also boost moods. “Stroking or cuddling a pet triggers a flood of oxytocin, so this physical touch can also benefit you”, add Dr. Arroll. There’s even evidence that petting a dog for 15 mins could help with Alzheimers and heart disease.

Give It A Go:

Hugging yourself can bring benefits. Fold one arm around your tummy, the other across your chest. Visualise the type of hug you want, intense or soothing. Lean into what feels nice, perhaps rocking gently from side to side. Adding a few words of encouragement can also be self-affirming.

How I Can Help As A Psychotherapeutic Counsellor

The process of seeing a Counsellor for therapy with regard to issues or concerns can begin to affect the relationship with yourself, and hence, those around you. You may usually feel that something has got out of hand, it isn’t quite right, which means it may be making you feel overwhelmed, a bit stressed or anxious and so you end up experiencing feelings of being unable to cope.

As a Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, I am able to offer you the space to explore and discover what has led you to this point in your life in order to gain an understanding of it, particularly in relation to your thoughts and feelings surrounding the issue or concern. This understanding can be the beginning of shifting that sense that wasn’t feeling quite right. When this happens, you will find you have the time to reflect on this understanding, you will feel heard and listened to. This will enable you to view things in a different, more constructive light as your perspective changes.

Sessions are offered in a calm, safe and tranquil setting whilst offering an environment which is confidential, open, empathetic, congruent (genuine) and with non-judgemental warmth.

Take your first steps today by calling 07973 410375 or emailing belinda@breathofchange.org.uk

After all, Oscar Wilde said “be yourself, everyone else is taken!”