American psychotherapist Virginia Satir in the 20th century presented the theory that a person needs 8 hugs a day to feel good. It is unlikely that such a figure is an axiom. Rather, it is the minimum. The fact is that hugs are the strongest process of energy exchange, and positive. Have you noticed that after hugs it becomes easier and magically all problems fade into the background? So, during hugs, a strong emotional connection is established between people. To feel it as fully as possible, according to psychologists, you need at least 20 seconds. That is how much you need in order to experience positive emotions that compensate for the lack of support and attention. Experts have found that a person who is deprived of such closeness is more likely to withdraw into himself and become depressed. Women are especially susceptible to this: psychologists say that they have a greater need for hugs than men. However, both should not hide their feelings. If something happens, the first thing to do is to hug tightly. This will relieve panic, but on the contrary, it will give confidence that everything will be fine.
Scientists have found that the positive emotions we experience really have a beneficial effect on health, and this is far from self-hypnosis. So, with hugs, the level of a number of hormones in the blood rises.

For example, oxytocin is produced - a hormone that is responsible for reducing anxiety and exacerbating a sense of security. So, even a stranger with whom we embrace will become surprisingly closer to us. Also, when hugging, endorphin is released into the blood - the hormone of euphoria and happiness. So, the usual touch can cope with the worst mood. Remember how it was in childhood: as soon as the mother takes the child in her arms, hugs, and a smile immediately appears on his face. With adults, this simple technique also works. In addition, touch reduces the amount of cortisol - the stress hormone - thereby eliminating tension and sending calming signals to the brain. So, children who were often hugged by their parents in childhood have a more stable psyche.

Surprisingly, but it is a fact: hugs, like vitamins, also contribute to an increase in immunity. It's all about increasing the level of hemoglobin in the blood. Not surprisingly, people who hug often live much longer than those who hold back their feelings. In his book "Aleph", the famous writer Paulo Coelho said: "Each sincere and heartfelt hug prolongs our lives by one day." Another interesting study showed that one hug a day can be compared to the benefits of eating one apple. A strong hug burns about 70 kcal per hour.