How not being able to hug so much if at all during Lockdown has been detrimental to our health.
In 1944 an experiment by Rene Spitz in America resulted in the death of 37.3% of the babies in the experiment by age 2.
What was done to the babies? Malnutrition, abuse? No, a lack of affection.
They were starved of a mother’s love, in fact from any human affection. There were no other causative factors. They were fed, clothed, cleaned and that was it, no more. Nurses prodded them with pencils, observations were made, children filmed. No love, affection, warm words, no hugs. Emotional sterility physically and mentally.
This heinous experiment was thankfully halted, it does however clearly show how important human affection is.
In another experiment, hungry baby monkeys had the option to suckle from the teat of a mechanical monkey or snuggle into the cuddly, soft pretend monkey. They chose the latter.
What has that to do with Lockdown? How many of us have already said we can’t wait to hug our friends, colleagues, and loved ones?
As everyone returns albeit slowly to work and to be able to mix with friends and relatives, let’s consider the effects of being able to hug people.
What are the benefits of hugging?
Oxytocin, often called the cuddle hormone is released and Cortisol our stress hormone is reduced. This in turn is heart-healthy. Inflammation (one of the biggest causes of heart disease) is reduced, blood pressure is reduced. Wounds heal faster. Our psychological health is improved. Anxiety is lowered. Our immune system is approved.
Did you know that even imagining hugging someone you care about releases oxytocin? It really does. The brain doesn’t know if something is real or not – Paramnesia – this is why it works. You can increase oxytocin and reduce cortisol just by pretending to hug. How cool is that!
We may be some time away from group hugs as we continue to observe social distancing, however, in the meantime, think it, wish it, and imagine it. Close your eyes and be in the moment of an imaginary hug until the time comes when we can all hug in safety once more.
If you, your staff, friends or family have been suffering through lack of physical contact during Lockdown, please share this information with them and do contact me if you would like to know more.
