CLEVELAND — EDITOR'S NOTE: The video in the player above originally aired on Dec. 21, 2020.
For the past year, we've been told to stay six feet apart, don't touch, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But experts at Cleveland Clinic say giving your loved ones hugs is good for you.
“The health benefits of giving and receiving hugs are quite impressive. Hugs have a therapeutic effect on people,” says Cleveland Clinic psychologist Joe Rock, PsyD.
“Hugs cause a decrease in the release of cortisol, a stress hormone, and other research indicates that hugs decrease your blood pressure and heart rate in stressful situations,” says Dr. Rock.
Researchers actually found that hugging it out can boost your immune system. And experts from the Cleveland Clinic say, it boosts oxytocin levels in your brain as well. Giving someone you love a squeeze also has therapeutic effects on your body, and it all has to do with the way your brain is wired to detect human touch.
“We can detach ourselves from people and get locked up in our own world,” Dr. Rock says. “Just the physical act of hugging someone really does connect us with them and lets down some of our defenses.”
So is it possible to give hugs safely during the COVID-19 pandemic? And are there other ways to get the same effects but still follow social distancing rules? Experts from the Cleveland Clinic say yes, if you follow a few rules.
- Hug only those in your household. This can be an immediate family member that you live with, or even a pet! Pets give good hugs!
- Hug a body pillow. It's not the same as hugging a human or animal, but some research shows it can have the same effect.
- Connect virtually with loved ones. Use Zoom, FaceTime, Skype or other platform to video chat with those you're missing.
- Practice self-care. Take a bath, take a walk or read a book -- do something you love.
The Cleveland Clinic says it's important for our mental health to remain connected with those we love as we weather the pandemic. And hopefully, we'll be back with our loved ones soon.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video in the player below originally aired on March 24, 2020.