Saturday, July 06, 2013

Tete-a-tete: Direct Dil Se

Seems really funny as to how I could ever write on such a topic. But certain things in life are generally taken for granted and their importance highly underestimated. 
Thus, it would not be a bad idea to spread a little awareness about this not so important activity which after reading this post, most of us would beg to differ and feel that after all this activity definitely is worth our precious time. 

Hugging or embracing has been immortalized by our very own Mr. Munnabhai.
He called it the jadoo ki jhappi. He did try to explain to us the possible benefits of a hug but we brushed it aside thinking it was filmy and Bollywood ishtyle. 

However, scientifically it has been shown that this seemingly innocuous hug is extremely effective at healing sickness, disease, loneliness, depression, anxiety and stress. Really?? 'How' is the question. 

Hugging a loved one releases the hormone oxytocin that gives you a physical boost and helps to control the blood pressure, reduce stress and improve memory.

But this effect only works if you hug someone you trust. 
Embracing someone you barely know rather increases stress by release of the stress hormone, cortisol

Someone recently asked me the difference between hugging and cuddling. 

A hug is when you put your arms out, move closer to someone, and wrap your arms around them. Usually you squeeze for a second, then release. It is brief, and it is usually reciprocal - give and take. 

A cuddle is something more intimate. To cuddle someone is to wrap them in your arms, but they don't have to do anything but accept the affection. Usually cuddling lasts longer. It may not be reciprocal. 

'You would hug your uncle when you see him at the holidays. But you would not cuddle him.'

Experts have also prescribed the daily dose for this essential vitamin. 
“We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need twelve hugs a day for growth. "


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