Despite living in a connected world, loneliness is on the rise.

It’s a public health crisis that has the potential to increase morbidity and mortality in the US, according to a recent report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. One way to combat this issue is through human connection, specifically hugging. Hugging has been shown to have numerous benefits, including reducing anxiety, boosting the immune system, and lowering blood pressure.

In this article, we’ll explore why men need to hug more and how it can improve their well-being.

Hugging and the Male Stigma

Men, more often than not, are less likely than women to embrace hugging. Some have called it a lack of touch or affectionate parenting at an early age that has caused men to shy away from hugging.

Others believe that socialization and gender norms play a significant role. Whatever the reason, the truth remains that the male stigma around hugging needs to change.

Studies have shown that the benefits of hugging outweigh the potential awkwardness that some men may feel.

For instance, a study from Carnegie Mellon University found that “adults who receive hugs on days when they experience interpersonal conflict are more likely to experience a positive mood the following day.” In other words, a hug can improve one’s mood and lessen the impact of a bad experience. Another study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior found that frequent hugging between partners was associated with higher perceived partner supportiveness and higher relationship satisfaction.

Hugging and Physical Health

Hugging has numerous physical health benefits. For example, a 2015 study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that hugging could reduce blood pressure among premenopausal women.

The study involved 38 women who were divided into two groups. One group received hugs from their partners while the other did not. The results showed that the women who received hugs had lower blood pressure levels than those who did not.

Hugging has also been linked to better immune function.

A study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found that “among the subjects who were exposed to the cold virus, those who received more hugs were less likely to develop an infection, and those who did develop an infection had less severe symptoms.” The researchers believe that the stress-relieving effects of hugging could boost the immune system and help fight off infections.

Improving Emotional Well-Being

Hugging can also have a profound impact on emotional well-being. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that hugging can reduce the effects of stress.

The study involved 404 adults who completed questionnaires about their social support, stress, and hugging frequency. The results showed that people who received more hugs had lower stress levels, and the effect was stronger among those who had more social support.

Furthermore, hugging can be a powerful tool in helping men build emotional connections. In a world where toxic masculinity is pervasive, hugging can challenge traditional gender norms and help men embrace vulnerability.

It can also foster a sense of community and reduce social isolation.

How to Embrace Hugging

So, how can men embrace hugging? It starts with acknowledging the benefits and realizing that hugging does not make someone weak or vulnerable. It takes courage to embrace vulnerability and forge deeper connections with others.

In addition to hugging those closest to us, we can also practice giving and receiving hugs in social settings. This can be as simple as giving a colleague or acquaintance a hug when saying hello or goodbye.

Of course, it’s important to always make sure that both parties are comfortable with hugging. Not everyone may feel comfortable with hugs, and that’s okay. Communication is key in building these types of connections.

Conclusion

The power of human connection cannot be understated. In a world where loneliness is on the rise, hugging can be a powerful tool in fostering deeper connections and improving well-being.

Men, in particular, can benefit from hugging more often, as it can help reduce stress, boost immunity, and foster emotional connections. It’s time to break down the male stigma around hugging and embrace vulnerability as a means of building meaningful connections with others.