Why you might be hug-deficient (and what to do about it)

Nothing beats a good, solid hug – that moment when you melt into someone's arms and just breathe. I'm not talking about a flimsy, pat-pat on the back. No. I'm talking about the real deal, a warm, strong embrace with a few deep breaths to go with it, the kind that makes you feel anchored in the moment and safe enough to let go. I'll be honest, if there's one thing I do really well, it's giving hugs, the kind of hugs that whisper, "You're not alone. I've got you." The funny thing is that hugs are so common we forget how powerful they really are. But when it comes to our health, a hug, especially a 20-second one, can be more healing than we realize. Why your body craves hugs Your nervous system can't tell the difference between emotional stress and physical danger. Whether you're stuck in traffic or being chased by a tiger (hopefully not at the same time), your body reacts the same way. Heart racing, muscles tensing, stress hormones firing. So when life feels heavy, of course we crave hugs, touch and connection. It's our body's way of saying, I just need to know I'm safe. And here's where it gets magical. A good hug triggers oxytocin, also known as the "love hormone." Oxytocin is famous for its role in childbirth and bonding between mothers and babies, but it does so much more. It builds trust, eases stress and sparks feelings of pleasure and safety. It even lights up the same areas of the brain that are activated by eating something delicious. Are you hug-deficient? Yes, it's a real thing. Lack of healthy, safe touch can leave us feeling starved for it. You might notice it as loneliness, sadness, more stress, body aches, trouble sleeping or feeling disconnected from others. Long-term hug deficiency can even affect your mood, relationships and physical health. The benefits are real People who get regular, safe and loving hugs tend to: * Sleep better* Develop a stronger immunity* Experience less pain* Recover faster from illness* Handle conflict better* Feel more self-compassion* Learn and work more effectively And here's the kicker. The longer the hug, the better the benefits. A 20-second hug has been shown to lower blood pressure, relax your muscles and boost happiness. No hug partner? No problem If you don't have someone around to hug, you can still reap the rewards. Try hugging yourself (wrap your arms tight and breathe) or snuggling with a pet. Your brain still gets a dose of oxytocin, and your body still relaxes. So, here's your challenge This week, give a few more intentional, longer hugs. Let it be more than a quick hello or goodbye. Sink into the moment. Breathe together. Feel your nervous system sigh in relief. Heck, stop by Moon Healing Studio on Orange St. and I would be happy to share a hug with you. You might just be surprised how something so simple can make everything feel a little better. Melissa Moon is the owner of Moon Healing Studio in Auburn.