The benefits of touch and hugs are amazing – for you and your child
Touch is one of the first senses we develop, well before before birth.[1] It helps us learn about the world and feel connected with those around us. We express a variety of emotions through touch and it's an important part of developing relationships. When we hug someone, it is a sure-fire way of letting them know they are cared for and loved.
Hugs are great for lots of reasons – here are just a few!
When we hug, neurochemicals are released, including oxytocin and endorphins.
Oxytocin is important in helping us build trust, strengthen bonds and regulate stress and anxiety. Endorphins act in the reward area of the brain and make us feel good.[2] They reduce perception of pain and increase feelings of pleasure.
A study found that when we hug someone, our levels of the hormone cortisol reduce.[3]
Cortisol helps us to regulate our sleep cycles, and to be alert and relaxed at the right times. When we are stressed, we produce more cortisol which leads to us being alert and ready to respond to a perceived threat. Giving your child a hug or gently stroking their hair or skin can help your child to sleep better – and the same goes for you too!
Touch supports us to feel close to those around us and helps keep us well.
Hugs promote positive wellbeing, and they are even thought to support our immune system, so can help us avoid illness.[4]
Body language is subconscious, and we use touch and hugs to calm and reassure others.
Hugging someone creates an unseen bond between people, they speak words when none need saying. When we touch someone, whether this be hugging a friend or stroking your child’s hair and skin to relax them, we send them a message that lets them know they're safe and cared for.
Your child might now be becoming more aware of other people’s emotions and recognise when others need comfort. So now, when you have had a difficult day, your child might offer a hug or come and stroke your arm, and that is such a lovely feeling.
Having a hug and being touched is not always the comfort everyone welcomes.
Touch is very personal, and not everyone enjoys the feeling of it. You’ll most probably know how the people you love and care about feel about being touched and hugged and you can give them what they need in a way that makes them comfortable.
References:
[1] McGlone, F. & Walker, S. (2021). Four health benefits of hugs – and why they feel so good. The Conversation. Available at: Four health benefits of hugs – and why they feel so good (theconversation.com)
[2] Endorphins:The brain’s natural pain reliever. (2021) Harvard Health.
[3] Dreisoerner, A., Junker, N.M., Schlotz, W., Heimrich, J., Bloemeke, S., B., Ditzen, van Dick, R. (2021) Self-soothing touch and being hugged reduce cortisol responses to stress: A randomized controlled trial on stress, physical touch, and social identity. Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology. Volume 8, 2021, 100091, ISSN 2666-4976, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100091
[4] Cohen, S., Janicki-Deverts, D., Turner, R. B., & Doyle, W. J. (2015). Does Hugging Provide Stress-Buffering Social Support? A Study of Susceptibility to Upper Respiratory Infection and Illness. Psychological Science, 26(2), 135–147. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797614559284